3:30 p.m. update

El Paso County, CO, January 18, 2019 – A severe snowstorm is impacting the northern portion of El Paso County. Road conditions are dangerous, with extremely low visibility in some areas. Residents are urged to stay off the roads.

Some roads may be closed in areas due to local conditions. Snowpacked and icy roads are extensive especially in Black Forest, Monument, Woodmoor and Gleneagle.

Emergency crews are responding to multiple calls of stranded motorists and slide-offs. If you are stranded in a snow storm, make sure your vehicle exhaust pipe remains clear. Run the heater and engine sparingly, and keep a window slightly open in order to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning

The National Weather Service reports that snow will vary intensity in the north end of El Paso County for several hours, and is expected to end around 5 p.m. Temperatures will continue to drop and are expected to hit a low of 18 degrees in Monument.

At least 29 County plows and four graders are working on roads in the northern part of the County, focusing on primary routes. They will work until at least 11 p.m. and then assess conditions. Please give snowplows and emergency vehicles plenty of space both in front and behind to avoid accidents and/or damage.

The Colorado Department of Transportation announced that commercial vehicle chain law has gone into effect as of Friday afternoon between Exit 156 (Northgate Boulevard) and Exit 174 (Tomah Road).

SAFETY FIRST WHEN TRAVELING DURING WINTER WEATHER …

  1. Know your abilities and drive for the conditions (slowing down will help ensure that you get to your family or destination safely).
  2. Snowplows and emergency vehicles are working to keep you safe. Give them plenty of space both in front and behind to avoid accidents and/or damage,
  3. If you must go out, be prepared. And if there is any question about safety, the safest place to be is at home.
  4. You may be THE safest and most competent driver, but you cannot drive for the other vehicles on the road. Remain defensive and pay attention what others are doing.
  5. The diverse terrain in our county can mean the conditions at your home may be very different from those at your destination or on the way to your destination.
  6. BE PATIENT AND COURTEOUS TO YOUR FELLOW DRIVERS, SO EVERYONE REMAINS SAFE

BE PREPARED WHEN WINTER WEATHER IS ON THE WAY …

  1. Make a plan with your family and neighbors NOW
    1. Include a communications plan and hard copies of phone numbers
    2. Discuss expectations if you’re at home, at school, at work, etc.
  2. Have winter emergency supplies in your vehicle
  3. Have two weeks worth of winter emergency supplies in your house
    1. Remember to refill prescriptions early so you have a supply on hand
    2. Remember to have enough provisions for pets as well as people
    3. Are you ready for a long-term power outage?
  4. Remain aware of conditions: Subscribe to emergency weather alerts and get a weather radio
  5. Essential travel only, and inform someone of your route and ETA if you venture out