As Thanksgiving nears, the state braces for a winter wallop with several areas anticipated to see significant snowfall. The approaching holiday is set to be accompanied by a blanket of fresh powder, especially in mountainous regions and at higher elevations. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is urging travelers to visit COtrip.org or download the COtrip Planner app to check on current road conditions, closures, and traffic cameras before setting out.
According to CDOT, adjusting travel times could spare drivers from the heaviest snow, expected to last from Monday night through Wednesday. Accumulations could reach up to two feet in mountain passes, posing a challenge for holiday travel. The I-70 Mountain Corridor, in particular, is forecast for difficult conditions. Meanwhile, light snow showers might grace the Denver area, with western foothills and the Palmer Divide gearing up for a heavier hit.
With safety as a priority, CDOT advises motorists, if feasible, to avoid or limit driving as the storm intensifies; conditions are likely to improve before the holiday itself. For those embarking on journeys, it's critical to be well-informed of the weather and roadway status by accessing the aforementioned resources.
Ensuring that vehicles are equipped for winter is another vital step, with essentials like suitable tires and an emergency kit being non-negotiable staples. Such a kit should include but is not limited to, an ice scraper-snow brush, warm clothing, a portable shovel, and provisions like water and snacks. When on the road, caution is key, maintaining slow speeds, avoiding sudden stops, and allowing ample space between cars are smart practices. Additionally, CDOT stresses the importance of giving snow plows the room they require, recommending drivers stay several car lengths behind these vehicles and resist overtaking them on the right.
