DENVER (AP) — Blizzard conditions have shut down Interstate 70 and other highways in eastern Colorado.
A 90-mile (145 kilometer) stretch of I-70 was shut down between Limon to the Kansas border Friday as winds gusting to over 60 mph on the plains caused whiteout conditions.
Highway 34 from Brush to Akron was also closed Friday afternoon. The Colorado State Patrol in Sterling said eight semi trucks west of Akron were blown over and blocking the road.
Hwy 34 from Brush to Akron is closed. There are 8 semi trucks west of Akron blown over and blocking the road. There is a blinding whiteout caused by the blowing snow. We are having a difficult time getting tow trucks to the scene. Please be patient. Avoid unnecessary travel
— CSP Sterling (@CSP_Sterling) April 13, 2018
CSP officials also said every north and south highway in northeast Colorado is closed due to snow, wind or both.
"More than a dozen semi trucks have blown over," an official said via Twitter.
Every north/south highway in NE CO is closed due to snow, wind, or both. More than a dozen semi trucks have blown over. Highway 6 is closed from Sterling to NE. Highway 34 is closed from Brush to Akron with no estimated time for reopening.
— CSP Sterling (@CSP_Sterling) April 13, 2018
Besides urging against travel, the National Weather Service is warning ranchers to protect young, vulnerable livestock from the wind, snow and cold.