Statewide Snow Storm Intensifying and Will Continue Today through Tomorrow Morning

February 6, 2019 - Denver Metro area -  CDOT Strongly Recommends People Leave Early to Manage Rush-hour Impacts in Denver Metro area; CDOT Crews Out in Force

DENVER — Snow is falling over much of the mountain regions and will move eastward to impact the Denver Metro corridors and plains by this afternoon and lasting through tomorrow morning, according to the National Weather Service.  Expected accumulations of two to four inches in the metro area with higher amounts along the foothills. CDOT is strongly recommending that commuters leave early or stagger travel to mitigate impacts of volume on the roadways during the storm. State of Colorado government offices in Denver and surrounding suburban counties will close at 2 p.m. due to extreme weather conditions. Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) crews will have mainlines pretreated before temperatures drop this afternoon.   Close to 100 plows are deployed through the duration of the storm in the Denver Metro region. About 110 plows will be out when the heaviest part of the storm is expected to hit the metro area by afternoon and evening rush hours (3 p.m. to 5 p.m.).  CDOT’s focus is clearing the interstates and mainlines with the heaviest traffic volumes during the storm. Once the storm has stopped, they will move to the state maintained secondary roads. What motorists need to know:

  • Snow will impact today’s afternoon and evening rush hours and will slow traffic. Snow is anticipated to last through tomorrow morning’s rush hours as well. Based on timing of the storm's intensity between 3 and 5 p.m. today, recommend leaving early afternoon or waiting till later in the evening. 
  • Deteriorating conditions through the day are likely to create tough conditions - roads will be slick through tomorrow morning.
  • Plows will be fully deployed throughout the storm, but expect speeds to drop as traffic increases along with weather impacts.
  • It is critical to take it slow, be prepared to drive in winter conditions and stay a safe distance behind the plows and the vehicle ahead of you. Prepare for commute times that could be doubled.
  • Do not go out unless your vehicle is winter ready with the appropriate tires to drive in the snow. You should consider leaving your vehicle at home and use the various transit options that are available along the Front Range, including Bustang, light rail and local bus services.

STAY INFORMED: Road and weather conditions are available by dialing 511, 303-639-1111, or visiting www.cotrip.org. Available on the COtrip site are:

The traveling public may also visit the CDOT website at www.codot.gov; sign up for GovDelivery alerts; and follow CDOT on Twitter and Facebook (though the latter may not provide the most up-to-date news and conditions).