DENVER – It’s going to be very windy today, Denver – and we’re already starting to see some effects of that on our highways.
For those in the mountains, you’re looking at Winter Storm Warnings, Winter Weather Advisories and Avalanche Watches and Warnings until 5 p.m. Expect accumulations around 6-10 inches, with areas of blowing snow Thursday. Be careful out there on the mountain roads, as driving may be hazardous at times Thursday.
We’re keeping an eye on weather and road conditions in the live blog below. Check back constantly for updates.
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Friday
2:50 p.m. | Blowing dust | For the first time since 2014, the National Weather Service out of Boulder issued a dust storm warning. It lasts until 5 p.m.
🤔 But when is the last time we issued a Dust Storm Warning? That would be 2014. They are not issued often! A Blowing Dust Advisory continues until 5 PM for parts of the southeastern plains. #COwx pic.twitter.com/d9HxDXwU6W
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) December 2, 2022
1:57 p.m. | Road conditions | Eastbound I-70 has reopened at exit 205.
12:08 p.m. | Road conditions | Eastbound I-70 is closed at Exit 205, according to the Town of Silverthorne.
11:03 a.m. | Fire watch | West Metro Fire Rescue says it has sent firefighters near Pritchett, outside of Springfield, CO, as extra resources in the event of a wildfire in the area. There is currently a Red Flag Warning in southeastern Colorado until 5 p.m.
Windy & Red Flag Warning in southeastern Colorado today. This video from our crew of firefighters near Pritchett outside of Springfield. They’re in the area as extra resources in the event of a wildfire. In these conditions- if a fire ignites- it will spread quickly. #cowx https://t.co/M7csiBNuji pic.twitter.com/YFs4lRe1Z0
— WestMetroFire (@WestMetroFire) December 2, 2022
9:14 a.m. | Weather update | A snow squall warning is in effect until 10 a.m. near Wellington, including I-25 from Wellington to the Wyoming border.
A snow squall warning is in effect until 10:00 AM MST for I-25 near Wellington, CO. #COwx pic.twitter.com/L2VAD49CNC
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) December 2, 2022
9:07 a.m. | Weather update | A band of heavy snow and strong gusty winds is moving across northern Larimer County, the NWS says, and some impacted areas will include Wellington, Pierce and Livermore.
8:50 a.m. | Weather update | NWS Boulder warns travelers to avoid travel on I-70 through Summit County from 10:30 a.m. to noon as the possibility for snow squalls is high in the area.
"Rapid deterioration expected with a short period of whiteout conditions. If you must travel or get caught in a snow squall, pull over to the side of the road and wait til conditions improve."
8:47 a.m. | Weather update | It's been a windy day across swaths of Colorado. Here are the latest wind reports from the National Weather Service:
Here are some of the latest wind reports across North Central and Northeastern Colorado. A High Wind Warning is in effect for much of the forecast area through 5 pm this afternoon. #cowx pic.twitter.com/mofzDiGg0x
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) December 2, 2022
8:21 a.m. | Road conditions | The southbound lanes of I-25 are bak open between Plum Creek Parkway and CO 105, CDOT says.
8:21 a.m. | Weather conditions | The National Weather Service in Boulder is warning that snow squalls are possible this morning across the I-70/Highway 40 corridors.
"Be prepared for rapidly changing conditions with snow and blowing snow reducing visibilities."
8:08 a.m. | School closure| Franktown Elementary School is alerting parents there will not be school today due to downed power lines near Highway 83 that were caused by high winds overnight.
6:37 a.m. | Reporting downed power lines, trees in El Paso County | El Paso County officials are advising people to report downed trees and power lines by clicking here. Click on "create a service request." DO NOT touch the tree or the power line. Power lines can carry an electric current strong enough to cause serious injury or possibly death, officials say.
5:51 a.m. | Power outages | Poudre Valley REA is reporting 153 customers without power in northeast Fort Collins.
5:27 a.m. | Weather update | The National Weather Service in Pueblo is warning of very high winds through the afternoon and areas of blowing dust. Avoid high profile vehicles and starting fires, officials say.
Very high winds this morning and through the afternoon, mainly over the northern and southern portion of the I-25 corridor. There could also be areas of blowing dust. Critical fire conditions for the plains. Avoid high profile vehicles and starting fires! #cowx #colorado pic.twitter.com/Zv9iJRqUgB
— NWS Pueblo (@NWSPueblo) December 2, 2022
5:24 a.m. | Power outages | CORE Electric, formally IREA, is reporting multiple outages affecting 595 customers, with residents in Douglas County sustaining the biggest impact, with 446 customers.
Xcel Energy is reporting 37 outages affecting 3,261 customers, the largest being up north in Commerce City, with 1,106 customers affected since 9:45 p.m. last night.
4:52 a.m. | Road conditions | The left lane of southbound I-25 is closed between Plum Creek Parkway and Tomah Road due to High Wind Restrictions.
3:33 a.m. | Road conditions | Drivers south of Castle Rock will be impacted by a High Wind Restriction placed by CDOT for semis on I-25 from Plum Creek through the Colorado-New Mexico state line. CDOT has ordered that all southbound High Profile, Light, and CMV vehicles must stop and stage in the Express Lane on I-25 southbound at Plum Creek Parkway, mile 181.
Why will all drivers be impacted? Because CDOT has closed the Express Lane to allow semis to wait it out while the winds calm down.