COLORADO (KRDO) - The Colorado Department of Transportation is preparing a solution for an upcoming winter storm and encouraging motorists to avoid driving.
An extended winter storm is expected to cause snowfall from Tuesday morning through Thursday morning. According to the CDOT, there is a possibility of heavy snowfall in the high country and eastern plains.
There is a chance of light snowfall in the front range. Still, CDOT says drivers should prepare themselves for the heavy accumulation west of the I-25 corridor.
While the plow will be out, the CDOT says driving conditions across the state will be slow and dangerous.
CDOT personnel will be fully deployed while working continuously during the storm. CDOT says crews will first focus on interstates and other major state-maintained roadways with the highest traffic volumes. Once the storm subsides, the crew will begin plowing other routes in the state.
Officials want to remind drivers that while CDOT does not maintain local and residential roads, cities and counties are responsible for those roads.
For drivers who have to be on the roads, CDOT recommends the following:
- Before heading out, know the latest weather and road conditions and plan accordingly.
- If you are out, particularly in higher elevations and the mountains, be prepared for severe cold weather and have a winter emergency kit should there be road closures. Items include:
- Water
- Snacks
- Blankets
- Extra Winter Clothes
- Flashlights
- Battery Cables
- Extra Batteries
- Fully Charged Cell Phone
- Make sure you leave with a full tank of gas and your vehicle should be winter ready as well.
- Have the appropriate tires for the weather with at least 3/16 inch of tread.
- Take it slow and leave plenty of space behind the vehicle ahead.
- Leave plenty of space behind plows.
CDOT also reminds drivers to "lean before the plow" and avoid getting into a potentially dangerous situation.
According to officials, it is illegal to pass a snowplow when it is working in conjunction with one or more snowplows. Waver tandem plowing means that several plows are covering all lanes and clearing the entire roadway in a single sweep. The CDOT says that trying to plow in this formation is dangerous as you can experience whitewashed conditions and streaks of snow between the lanes.