CDOT has some advice for people who brave the roads when it snows. Sady Swanson
This story will be updated throughout the day. Check Coloradoan.com for weather updates.
Fort Collins residents woke up to a sheet of ice and snow Sunday morning.
Overnight, freezing drizzle coated the roads and left an ice glaze before snow began to fall.
As of 7:45 a.m. Sunday, Fort Collins received just less than 0.1 inches of ice glaze and 2.2 inches of new snowfall, according to the Fort Collins Weather Station on Colorado State University's campus. As of 9 a.m., about 2.6 inches of snow accumulated at the Coloradoan office in northeast Fort Collins.
City plows began to clear arterial roads Sunday morning and will clear collector streets after that. City staff warned that neighborhood and collector streets will likely be slick.
Fort Collins remains under a winter storm warning until 2 p.m. Forecasters predict snow will fall into the afternoon, and wind speeds will increase in the afternoon. Forecasters predict winds of 16 to 21 mph in the afternoon with gusts as high as 31 mph.
The National Weather Service said drivers should be prepared for slippery roads and significant reductions in visibility.
Despite the ice and snow in the area, though, Larimer Office of Emergency Management staff said no big problems had been reported Sunday morning.
"Let’s keep up that trend and be safe while traveling today," they wrote on Twitter.
Snow fell and continued to fall across the Front Range and in Denver on Sunday.
As of 9:45 a.m., about 150 flights were cancelled at Denver International Airport amid blowing snow, low visibility and winds, according to the Associated Press. Airport officials said travelers should check directly with their airline for information on delays and cancellations.
Radar imagery shows the storm intensifying as it moves east, and forecasters predict it will bring heavy snow to the northeast plains of Colroado.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Winter driving safety tips
- Check your tires — Worn tires can’t grip the road well and can be hazardous. Check your tires by performing the “quarter test.” Insert a quarter into the tire tread upside down, with George Washington’s head going in first. If the top of his head is covered by the tread, your tires are OK. If the top of his head is visible at any point, you need new tires. Do this test in multiple points around each tire.
- Get a set of snow tires — All-season tires don’t compare to winter tires. If your tires don’t have at least a one-eighth inch tread when a Traction Law is called, you are in violation of the law and could end up with a fine.
- Leave extra room — Even if you have four-wheel or all-wheel drive, you can’t stop quicker on ice roads.
- Drive for the conditions — In poor visibility, don’t drive faster than you can see ahead. High speeds in poor visibility can lead to dangerous chain reactions.
- Bow to the plow — Snow plows need space to work, so don't crowd them. If you must pass a snowplow, do so on the left and with extreme caution.
- Be I-70 smart — Check Goi70.com to see travel forecasts for the I-70 mountain corridor, road updates, rideshare and parking information. Remember to avoid peak travel times whenever possible and consider carpooling or alternative transportation.
- Have a plan — If you are stuck in a serious storm, do not leave your car. Run the engine periodically and wait for help.
- Prepare a winter driving vehicle kit — Carry blankets, water, a flashlight, a shovel, and some nutrition bars or other food. Add extra blankets, sand to help gain traction in the event you become stuck, jumper cables and an ice scraper, too.
Source: Colorado Department of Transportation