Blizzard Ahead for Southeast Colorado

Travel Advisory

March 16, 2021 - Southeastern Colorado - Winter storm will adversely impact travel on several highways

PUEBLO — A major snowstorm is forecast to hit most areas of southeastern Colorado overnight Tuesday through midday Wednesday, bringing with it blizzard and white-out conditions.

The Colorado Department of Transportation anticipates numerous highway closures during the storm. Drivers should keep a close watch on the weather conditions and plan to stay off the roads. Heavy snow and high wind is expected to impact Interstate 25 from Pueblo south to Raton Pass, areas east and west of Walsenburg and Trinidad, and along the U.S. 287 corridor, including Lamar and Springfield. Travelers making their way over US 160 La Veta Pass will also encounter severe weather and hazardous driving conditions.  

Motorists should check COtrip.org for up-to-date conditions and closure information. 

If traveling is required during adverse weather, drivers should NOT seek alternate routes to circumvent road closures, but rather shelter in place or find another safe location to wait out the storm. When a highway is closed due to weather conditions, alternate routes also could be impassable.  

Please Note:

  • CDOT crews will be out in force and plowing roads that remain open for travel, initially focusing on clearing the primary routes such as I-25, U.S. 50, U.S. 160 and U.S. 287. Plows will make multiple passes on these roads during the storm and will not be able to address the secondary routes until the worst of the storm has passed. This means many roadways could be heavily snow packed--making for hazardous driving conditions.
  • During a significant and high impact snow storm, travel should be limited to emergency and essential reasons only with the proper vehicle and tires for heavy snow. Do not attempt to drive in severe weather conditions unless you have the appropriate tires with good tread. If you are out in the storm, have an emergency kit with blankets, food, batteries, water, a shovel and survival supplies should you get stuck or stranded.  
  • It’s best to stay off the roads during a heavy snow event.
  • Bow to the plow! Motorists should leave ample distance behind the vehicle ahead and not pass plows. 
  • For more information on preparing for the snow, chain and traction laws and other winter storm related guidance, go to winter.codot.gov.

Stay Informed

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts, anticipated travel impacts, and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

About Winter Wise

CDOT’s Winter Wise campaign focuses on education, tools and resources to help keep drivers safe on Colorado’s winter roads. To learn more and view helpful tips for winter driving, visit winter.codot.gov. For specific information about I-70 and other highway travel conditions, motorists can call 511 or check COtrip.org. Additionally, drivers can check Twitter for up-to-date travel information via @ColoradoDOT. For more detailed information about the Traction and Passenger Vehicle Safety Laws, snowplow laws, safety stats and frequently asked questions, visit winter.codot.gov.