Snow storm makes travel dangerous, shuts down numerous interstates
A heavy winter storm is causing major travel trouble in the west today.
As of Tuesday morning, Winter Storm Dorothy dumped more than a foot of snow, causing treacherous travel conditions and forcing state transportation departments to close hundreds of miles of interstates.
Colorado is bearing the brunt of the storm. As of 6 a.m. on Tuesday, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDDOT) said that I-70 closed in both directions east of Denver to Burlington. Additionally, CDOT says that the chain law is in effect on I-25 at Monument, meaning tractor trailers must have chains.
Additionally, a fatal crash has been reported in Colorado on I-70 near mile marker 170.
I-70 is CLOSED in BOTH directions between Dowd Jct (MP171) and Post Blvd (MP 168) due to Fatal crash, HAZMAT, and multiple other crashes.
Expect closure for majority of day. Alt route is HWY 6.
🏞-@EagleRiverFire #cowx #cotraffic pic.twitter.com/kBFLZXifWG
— CSP Eagle (@CSP_Eagle) November 26, 2019
Multiple other roadways were reported closed in Colorado as of 6 a.m.
CLOSURES:
I-70 from Airpark to Burlington
I-70 around Bennett
CO-64 around Meeker
CO-83 around Lake Gulch (semi in ditch)
I-76 from Lochbuie to CO/NE
US-34 Wiggins to Kersey, Brush to Otis
US-36 around Estes Park
US-287 from Ted’s Place to CO/WY@CBSDenver pic.twitter.com/feaqBeLF3C— Andrea Flores (@AndreaFloresTV) November 26, 2019
CLOSURES CONTINUED:
CO-52 from Hudson to Wiggins
CO-71 from Limon to Brush
CO-86 from Kiowa to I-70@CBSDenver pic.twitter.com/vGaZstdloE— Andrea Flores (@AndreaFloresTV) November 26, 2019
Local weather experts say that travel is not advised.
Travel across the plains is strongly discouraged today. Several roads are closed including I-76 and I-70 across the plains. #cowx pic.twitter.com/MTZAp7EoOz
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) November 26, 2019
In Wyoming, several stretches of both directions of I-80 are closed due to weather and crashes.
26-NOV-2019 07:09 – I80 Rawlins – Laramie: Closed BOTH DIR due to winter conditions. As of Nov 26 at 07:00, the est open time is in 9 to 11 hours. #wyoroad
— Wyoming DOT (@WYDOT_I80) November 26, 2019
26-NOV-2019 07:11 – I80 Exit 111, Airport and Baxter Roads – Rawlins: Closed BOTH DIR due to winter conditions and crashes. As of Nov 26 at 07:00, the est open time is in 9 to 11 hours. #wyoroad
— Wyoming DOT (@WYDOT_I80) November 26, 2019
26-NOV-2019 07:07 – I80 Laramie – Exit 359, Jct. I-25: Closed BOTH DIR due to winter conditions. As of Nov 26 at 07:00, the est open time is in 9 to 11 hours. #wyoroad
— Wyoming DOT (@WYDOT_I80) November 26, 2019
26-NOV-2019 07:07 – I80 Exit 267, Wagonhound Rd – Laramie: Closed BOTH DIR due to winter conditions. As of Nov 25 at 07:00, the est open time is btwn 16:00 and 18:00 on Nov 26. Rawlins – Exit 267, Wagonhound Rd: Closed BOTH DIR due to winter conditions. As of Nov 26 at 07:00, t
— Wyoming DOT (@WYDOT_I80) November 26, 2019
Make sure to check local road closures and travel conditions before you start driving.