CDOT winter travel alert

Ryn Lewis
·2 min read

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — The Colorado Department of Public Transportation issued a warning Tuesday about weather conditions for those traveling along I-70.

Officials say blizzard conditions will continue over the Eastern Plains today and are expected to continue overnight.

The National Weather Service has also declared a high wind warning for the Eastern Plains area south of Cheyenne Ridge and south of the Palmer Divide until midnight, with gusts of up to 65 miles per hour and adverse conditions expected through Wednesday morning.

CDOT warns motorists to avoid traveling during high wind warnings, especially if they drive a high-profile vehicle like a semi-truck or a smaller, more lightweight vehicle. Other vehicles that may be negatively impacted by high winds include some pick-up trucks, SUVs, RVs, vans and buses. If you are towing or hauling a trailer during high winds, be cautious as those can also be blown around a roadway.

If you’re traveling in the mountains this week, you can expect light snow in the mountains through today – heaviest impacts will be along and north of I-70 from Vail Pass and eastward. Strong winds will also continue east of the Continental Divide, causing blowing snow and reduced visibility at higher elevations.

CDOT wants motorists to know the following when traveling in the mountains this week:

  • Make sure you are equipped for the drive in winter weather. Tires with at least 3/16″ of an inch of tread, a well-maintained vehicle and an emergency kit with extra clothing, water, food and other essentials are critical to mountain driving in the winter.

  • Once you are out on the road, take it slow, no sudden stops and leave plenty of following distance.

  • Stay three to four car lengths away from snow plows.

CDOT also wants to remind motorists of the possibility of road closures. To check weather and road conditions, you can head over to COtrip.org, and for more information on the chain and traction laws, visit CDOT’s website.

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