Blizzard Warning Issued for Colorado Springs: Heavy Snow and High Winds Expected
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — A blizzard warning has been issued for northern El Paso County, as a powerful winter storm is expected to bring significant snowfall and hazardous conditions to the region starting Monday evening.
The National Weather Service in Pueblo announced that the blizzard conditions will commence at 7 p.m. Monday and last until 3 p.m. Tuesday, affecting areas from north of Colorado Springs to Limon and beyond. The storm is anticipated to produce snowfall totals ranging from 4 to 10 inches, with localized gusts up to 70 mph along the Palmer Divide.
Dangerous travel conditions are anticipated, particularly during the Tuesday morning commute, according to the Weather Service. A series of major schools and colleges, including Academy District 20 and District 49, have already announced closures or delayed start times in response to the expected inclement weather.
The snowfall forecast for several locations in the region includes: Colorado Springs with 2-3 inches, Kiowa and Limon forecasting 8-12 inches, and the mountain passes possibly receiving up to 17 inches along with wind gusts as high as 50 mph.
“Travel is not recommended in these areas from late tonight into early Tuesday,” said Alan Rose, a meteorologist with KOAA, highlighting conditions that are likely to include whiteouts and very low visibility. “Most accumulations from the storm will be above 6,000 to 6,500 feet, with a sharp cut-off between little to no snowfall and very high totals.”
Earlier Monday, Colorado Springs experienced mild temperatures, reaching a high of 59 degrees amid a red-flag warning for elevated fire danger across many areas due to high winds. As the storm system approaches, meteorologists predict a rapid shift in weather. “Northerly wind gusts by Tuesday morning could reach 50-70 mph,” Rose added.
City officials have begun preparations for the storm, deploying crews and snowplows capable of responding to the conditions. A full call-out of these resources is scheduled to start at midnight Tuesday.
The storm will mark a stark contrast to the pleasant weather experienced earlier in the week, with sunny skies giving way to storm conditions within a matter of hours.
Residents are reminded to stay updated on weather conditions and to avoid unnecessary travel during the blizzard warning period. The anticipated weather conditions call for heightened caution as the storm progresses, especially during peak rush hour on Tuesday.
Looking ahead, the forecast indicates that after the storm passes, clearer skies and calmer winds will follow, but Colorado Springs could still see residual effects through the week.
