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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Category: Weather & Traffic

  • CPW urges the public to wear life jackets following deadliest year on Colorado waters

    Life jacket requirements apply not only to power boats, but kayaks and stand-up paddleboards as well. This couple safely enjoys kayaking at Cherry Creek State Park.

    Photo courtesy of Wayne D. Lewis/CPW

    DENVER – As boat ramps open and warm temperatures entice people to get outdoors and recreate on the water, Colorado Parks and Wildlife urges people to wear a life jacket and boat safely following the deadliest year on Colorado’s rivers, lakes and reservoirs.

    In honor of National Safe Boating Week, May 20-26, 2023, CPW is promoting safe boating tips to educate outdoor enthusiasts on how to take caution on Colorado waters while enjoying water sports like power boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming and fishing. 

    With increased visitation in outdoor spaces throughout the state, water-based recreation remains a popular pastime in Colorado. There have already been three drownings in the state this year. In 2022, there were 42 water-related fatalities in Colorado, which was up from 22 in 2021, and 34 in 2020.

    In 2022, the majority of fatalities occurred from people swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking or using an inflatable of some kind, and the vast majority were not wearing a life jacket. CPW wants to remind the public that paddle boards and kayaks are considered vessels, and life jacket requirements apply. 

    “We recommend all boaters and passengers wear a life jacket while on the water,” said Grant Brown, Boating Safety Program Manager for CPW. “Regardless of your age or experience level, the data shows that life jackets save lives.” 

    “Wearing a life jacket is especially important when boating during cold water conditions when water temperatures are below 70 degrees,” Brown said. “Cold water immersion shock coupled with the lack of a life jacket were contributing factors in the majority of drownings in Colorado in recent seasons. We want people to have fun on the water and not be afraid of it, so we encourage you to bring the proper safety gear so you have a positive outdoor experience.”

    In 2022, CPW soft-launched a new Boating Safely in Colorado Program at Lake Pueblo State Park, Colorado’s most visited state park. The program mobilizes a group of passionate volunteers to engage directly with the public to discuss and reinforce the importance of boating and water safety as well as the rules and regulations related to boating in Colorado.

    This year, the program will be expanded at Lake Pueblo to include more dates and locations at the 47,000 acre reservoir consisting of 60 miles of shoreline. The hope is this program will serve as a model for additional lakes and reservoirs to implement in future years. 

    Volunteers are a vital component to the future and expansion of this program and many other CPW programs. To learn more about volunteer opportunities with CPW, go to our website.

    Before heading out on the water, Colorado Parks and Wildlife advises the following boating safety tips:

    It is important that boaters take into account the risks that weather can present while recreating on the water. Dangerous weather conditions that raise concerns are unpredictable strong wind gusts that can knock a paddle boarder or kayaker into the water, and cold water temperatures that exist year-round in Colorado.

    For more information on boating safety, visit cpw.state.co.us.

  • 2023’s Best States for Beekeeping

    Where can the location of your colony sweeten or sour your beekeeping journey?

    To mark World Bee Day on May 20, Lawn Love ranked 2023’s Best States for Beekeeping.

    To come up with our ranking, we compared 39 of the 50 states (with available data) based on four categories. We looked at honey production, colony loss, and apiculture classes, among 15 total metrics.

    See the five best (and five worst) states for beekeeping below, followed by key stats from our report.

    Best States for Beekeeping
    Rank State
    1 California
    2 New York
    3 North Dakota
    4 Texas
    5 Ohio
    Worst States for Beekeeping
    Rank State
    1 Wyoming
    2 Arizona
    3 Utah
    4 Nebraska
    5 Louisiana

     

     

    Key insights:

    • California cultivation: The Golden State brings home the gold medal overall and in Distribution and Support. California offers the highest number of apiculture classes and establishments. California also boasts healthy bees with the lowest average annual colony loss in our ranking.

    • Flickertail hives: Swarming to third place is North Dakota with the largest overall honey Output. The Flickertail State impresses with the biggest total honey production and the most honey-producing colonies, 520 — 215 more than the next state, California.

    • Sweet salaries: Beekeepers have the biggest opportunity to pollinate their savings accounts in Illinois (No. 10), which takes the top spot in Earning Potential. New York (No. 2) pays the highest average annual beekeeping salary, followed by Illinois and Colorado (No. 17).

    • Colony conservation: Neonics are commonly used across lawns, gardens, and farms and have devastating impacts on bee populations. To help save the bees, New York (No. 2), New Jersey (No. 22), Vermont(No. 23), and Maine (No. 30) have each passed legislation limiting the use of neonics.

    • Buzzworthy sales: There are many opportunities to sell honey in states like New York (No. 2) and Ohio (No. 5). New York leads the way in honey suppliers, while The Buckeye State takes second place. Ohio boasts the most farmers markets, followed by New York.

    • Nectar network: It’s easy for beekeepers to connect in North Carolina(No. 8), thanks to the many beekeepers associations. Tennessee (No. 18) and Kentucky (No. 29) take second and third places, respectively.

    Note: Hawaii was excluded from our sample, as USDA data for the state had not been released by the time of data collection and writing.Ten additional states were excluded both years due to lack of data.

    Helpful links:

    Want to help save the bees? Hire a local Lawn Love pro to help turn your backyard into a buzzing, bee-autiful paradise.

  • DMV offers tips to avoid groggy driving ahead of daylight saving time

    LAKEWOOD, Friday March 10, 2023 — While many might sleep on the dangers of fatigued driving and Daylight Saving Time, the Colorado DMV is reminding motorists to rest up before Monday’s commute.
    Daylight Saving Time, which begins this Sunday and springs clocks ahead an hour, means Coloradans may wake up feeling more tired than usual. In the U.S., fatal car crashes spike by 6% during the workweek after “spring forward” resulting in an additional 28 deaths each year, according to a 2020 University of Colorado Boulder study.
    But, there are steps motorists can take to make Monday’s commute safer for all Coloradans.
    The DMV encourages drivers to take extra care during this time of change and hopes to raise awareness of fatigued driving following the beginning of Daylight Saving Time.
    Before driving or when planning a roadtrip, please consider the following information:
    Eight drowsy driving warning signs to watch for:
    • Finding it hard to focus on the road, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids
    • Starting to daydream, wandering eyes and having disconnected thoughts
    • Having trouble remembering the last few miles driven 
    • Missing an exit or ignoring traffic signs
    • Yawning repeatedly or rubbing your eyes
    • Finding it hard to keep your head up or nodding off
    • Drifting from your lane, tailgating or hitting a shoulder rumble strip
    • Feeling restless and irritable or becoming aggravated with common annoyances such as sitting in traffic.
    Before getting into the car with someone or driving yourself, ask the following:
    • Are you sleep-deprived or fatigued? Are you suffering regularly from sleep problems? Less than 6 hours of sleep triples your risk of falling asleep while driving, according to the National Sleep Foundation.
    • Are you planning to drive long distances without proper rest breaks?
    • Will you be driving through the night, mid-afternoon or when you would normally be asleep?
    • Are you taking medications that can make you sleepy such as antidepressants, cold tablets or antihistamines?
    • Have you been working over 60 hours a week? A tightly packed work schedule increases your risk of drowsy driving by 40%, according to the National Sleep Foundation.
    • Have you been working more than one job and your main job involves shift work?
    • Did you drink alcohol? Even a small amount of alcohol can have an impact on your body.
    According to the National Sleep Foundation, specific at-risk groups for driving sleep-deprived include:
    • Young drivers — especially males under 25 years old.
    • Shift workers and people with long work hours — working the night shift can increase your risk of drowsy driving by nearly six times. Rotating-shift workers and people working more than 60 hours a week need to be particularly careful.
    • Commercial drivers — especially long-haul drivers. At least 15% of all heavy truck crashes involve fatigue and sleep-deprived driving.
    • People with undiagnosed or untreated disorders — People with untreated obstructive sleep apnea have up to seven times the risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
    • Business travelers — who spend long hours driving or may be jet-lagged from a previous trip.
    Helpful tips for driving, include:
    • Planning your trip ahead of time.
    • If it is a long-distance trip, ask a friend to join you so they can help drive and monitor for signs of drowsy driving.
    • If you feel tired, drowsy or notice any of the signs above, pull over and get some rest and only continue driving when alert.
    For more information on prevention tips against drowsy driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drowsy-driving.
  • — Winter Travel Alert — Persistent stormy weather will make travel difficult to impossible at higher elevations

    — Winter Travel Alert — Persistent stormy weather will make travel difficult to impossible at higher elevations

    Skiers, backcountry users and spring break travelers are urged to “know before you go”

     

    Colorado – Travelers to Colorado’s high country will encounter treacherous winter driving conditions this weekend. The Colorado Department of Transportation urges skiers, backcountry users and spring break travelers to plan ahead. Highway mountain passes and the Interstate 70 corridor will see severe impacts with heavy snowfall and wind-driven snow causing slushy roads, snowpacked conditions and potential white-outs.

    “Motorists need to be prepared with more than just their outdoor gear when traveling during winter weather conditions,” said John Lorme, CDOT’s director of maintenance and operations. “Pack your vehicle with extra food, water, warm clothes, blankets and necessities like medications. Safety closures may happen at any time during severe weather and if you are held up on the highway you want to be prepared.”

    The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings and advisories for western Colorado and the I-70 mountain corridor, emphasizing that travel will be difficult to impossible. Heavy snow and blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility, especially on mountain passes.

    “Commercial motor vehicle and passenger vehicle drivers must drive for the conditions and consider the hazards before heading out on the roads,” said Lorme. “If you do not have experience driving in winter weather, please avoid driving in the mountains this weekend. We understand that many folks may be visiting Colorado this weekend and urge them to consider taking CDOT’s Pegasus, Snowstang or Bustang to get to their destinations safely. The more vehicles off the roadway, the easier it is to keep our roads clear of both snow and incidents.”

    East of the Divide and the Denver area will experience more spring-like storm conditions. Rain and light snow showers will begin late Friday night and will last through the weekend. Roads will be slick. Additionally, the Front Range and Eastern Plains are under a red flag warning. Travelers along the I-25 corridor, especially drivers in high-profile vehicles, should drive with extreme caution.

    Drivers are urged to “know before you go”, check road conditions on COtrip.org, and stay on top of the latest forecast information as the winter weather evolves.

    What Motorists Should Know

    • Avoid or limit driving during the brunt of the storm. Many areas of the state will experience pavement impacts.
    • If you plan to travel, know before you go by checking out the latest weather conditions and visiting COtrip.org for road conditions (see info sources below).
    • Make sure your vehicle is winter ready with the appropriate tires for the weather and have a snow emergency kit.
    • Once you are out on the road, take it slow, no sudden stops and leave plenty of following distance.
    • Give plows space! Stay back three to four car lengths from snowplows.

    Safety Closures

    A safety closure is a precaution taken during inclement weather to reduce the probability of traffic incidents, increased congestion or other safety-related factors. During a safety closure, traffic may be stopped on the interstate, turned around or directed to an exit. Safety closures help decrease delay times, and, above all, keep travelers safe.

    Chain & Traction Laws

    When weather conditions warrant, CDOT will activate the Traction Law. If weather conditions deteriorate, CDOT will activate Chain Laws for passenger and commercial vehicles. Motorists will be alerted to an active Traction or Chain Law by highway signage, COtrip.org and traffic/roadway condition alerts. For more information on the Traction Law and Passenger Vehicle Chain Law requirements, visit codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw. For more information on the Commercial Vehicle Chain Law requirements, visit codot.gov/travel/colorado-chain-law. To learn more and view helpful tips for winter driving, visit winter.codot.gov.

    COtrip.org & COtrip Planner App

    If motorists must head out during this winter storm, they are urged to visit COtrip.org and download the COtrip Planner app ahead of time. Motorists are now able to sign up for travel alerts through COtrip.org to see if there are any highway closures or impacts along their favorite routes. The COtrip Planner app also offers a “Trip Planner” feature that allows motorists to map out their routes and receive updates about road closures or incidents along the way. Motorists can turn on the “Hands-Free, Eyes Free” feature to receive these alerts via voice notifications and avoid routes with impacts.

    The free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!

    CDOT is also pleased to offer motorists the opportunity to track CDOT snow plows on the app and website, and can even follow some of our “celebrity” plows that were named by elementary school students last year. Using the snow plow tracker allows motorists to see where our plows have been and even see what the road conditions look like by viewing the cameras in the area of the plows. CDOT plows have thousands of miles of roadway to maintain, so motorists are asked to please be patient and are reminded to never pass a plow on the right or while in echelon formation. It is always safer to stay behind a plow.

    Know Before You Go

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

  • — WINTER TRAVEL ALERT — Statewide storm to cause difficult driving conditions

    Drivers are urged to check the forecast and COtrip.org before traveling

     

    COLORADO –  Colorado Department of Transportation crews will be out in force for a multiple wave storm that will affect much of the state this week. The first wave will reach the mountains with heaviest accumulations in the southern mountains beginning Monday through Tuesday afternoon, with impacts through Thursday. Strong winds east of the Continental Divide to the Kansas border are expected most of Tuesday, with the winter storm expected to arrive along the Front Range Tuesday night and lasting through Wednesday. Hardest hit areas are anticipated to be in southern Colorado from the Palmer Divide to the southern border and the southwestern mountain passes.

    Various parts of the state will get hit with snow at different times, which means motorists could encounter rapidly changing weather and road conditions, including blowing snow and poor visibility caused by high winds.

    CDOT crews will be out 24/7 clearing roads beginning with interstates and the most heavily traveled routes first during the storm. Once the storm has tapered off, they will plow the state maintained secondary routes. Cities and counties are responsible for clearing local and residential roads – not CDOT.

    Drivers are urged to “know before you go”, check road conditions on COtrip.org, and stay on top of the latest forecast information as the winter weather evolves.

    Denver Region and the I-70 Mountain Corridor east of the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel (EJMT)

    • Snow is expected to impact the metro area beginning Tuesday evening and continue through Wednesday afternoon with lighter snow north of Denver and heavier accumulations in the metro area and to the south.  High winds are possible for the eastern plains, which could pose a closure risk on I-70 at Airpark east of Denver. The hardest hit area will be along the I-25 corridor south of Denver from the Palmer Divide to the southern border.  Motorists should expect hazardous driving conditions in the metro area Tuesday night and the Wednesday morning commute.  While CDOT crews will be out in force plowing the roads, pavement will be slick. Motorists must take it slow, leave plenty of following distance and stay safely behind plows. Do not pass them!
    • Snow is expected tonight along the I-70 Mountain Corridor from Golden to the EJMT.  Snow will ramp up tomorrow with windy conditions continuing through late Wednesday.  Sub-zero temperatures of -13 possible Wednesday night. Motorists must have appropriate tires for mountain driving and an emergency kit should there be emergency road closures.

    I-70 Mountain Corridor and Northwest Colorado

    • Motorists should anticipate winter weather conditions along the I-70 Mountain Corridor and other roadways in northwestern Colorado. Intense snowfall is anticipated to be as heavy as one inch per hour at locations along the I-70 corridor, including the EJMT and Vail Pass.
    • Winter weather conditions are anticipated to be heaviest on Wednesday and Thursday. Motorists will encounter increased enforcement of lowered speeds on the corridor, including in Glenwood Canyon. Other roadways with winter weather conditions are anticipated to be US 40 Berthoud Pass, CO 82 near Aspen and CO 65 Grand Mesa.

    Southeast Colorado

    • Snow is anticipated Tuesday afternoon and through the day Wednesday. Flash freezing is possible along the I-25 corridor south from Monument Hill. Travelers can expect heavy snow at the higher elevations, with blowing and drifting snow on the southeastern plains, with winds up to 50 mph forecast, and potential highway closures, if necessary, due to reduced visibility.

    Southwest & South-Central Colorado

    • Heavy snow accumulations and strong winds are expected for southwest and south-central Colorado through early Thursday morning. Major winter driving impacts have already begun in the San Juan Mountains along the US 550 mountain corridor, US 160 Wolf Creek Pass, CO 145 Lizard Head Pass, US 50 Monarch Pass and CO 17 Cumbres and La Manga Passes. Treacherous driving conditions with blowing snow and below freezing temperatures will continue through Thursday. Travel is expected to be difficult with low visibility and potential safety closures. Heavy and blowing snow will create icy, slick and snow-packed road conditions.
    • US 160 Wolf Creek Pass will close Wednesday morning at 5:30 a.m. so that crews can perform winter maintenance operations. Westbound traffic will be stopped just west of the ski area at the pass summit (MP 167) and eastbound traffic will be stopped near Treasure Falls (MP 157). Do not attempt to bypass the closed gates. Maintenance operations will last for much of the morning, the exact time of reopening the highway is not known.
    • Travelers should be aware that additional winter maintenance operations and safety closures may be needed along mountain corridors over the coming week.

    Northeast Colorado

    • High winds are expected Tuesday with some snow coming early Wednesday.
    • Snow accumulations along the North I-25 corridor are expected to be a few inches with more expected toward the foothills.

    What motorists should know

    • Avoid or limit driving during the brunt of the storm. Many areas of the state will experience pavement impacts and blowing snow due to strong winds.
    • Work from home if you can.
    • If you plan to travel, know before you go by checking out the latest weather conditions and visiting COtrip.org for road conditions (see info sources below).
    • Make sure your vehicle is winter ready with the appropriate tires for the weather and have a snow emergency kit.
    • Once you are out on the road, take it slow, no sudden stops and leave plenty of following distance.
    • Give plows space! Stay back three to four car lengths from snow plows.

    Safety closures

    A safety closure is a precaution taken during inclement weather to reduce the probability of traffic incidents, increased congestion or other safety-related factors. During a safety closure, traffic may be stopped on the interstate, turned around or directed to an exit. Safety closures help decrease delay times, and, above all, keep travelers safe.

    Chain and Traction Laws

    When weather conditions warrant, CDOT will activate the Traction Law. If weather conditions deteriorate, CDOT will activate Chain Laws for passenger and commercial vehicles. Motorists will be alerted to an active Traction or Chain Law by highway signage, COtrip.org and traffic/roadway condition alerts. For more information on the Traction Law and Passenger Vehicle Chain Law requirements, visit codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw. For more information on the Commercial Vehicle Chain Law requirements, visit codot.gov/travel/colorado-chain-law. To learn more and view helpful tips for winter driving, visit winter.codot.gov.

    COtrip.org and COtrip Planner app

    If motorists must head out during this winter storm, they are urged to visit COtrip.org and download the COtrip Planner app ahead of time. Motorists are now able to sign up for travel alerts through COtrip.org to see if there are any highway closures or impacts along their favorite routes. The COtrip Planner app also offers a “Trip Planner” feature that allows motorists to map out their routes and receive updates about road closures or incidents along the way. Motorists can turn on the “Hands-Free, Eyes Free” feature to receive these alerts via voice notifications and avoid routes with impacts.

    Know Before You Go

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

  • State Vet Offers Resources for Coloradans To Protect Animals During Upcoming Spell of Extreme Cold Weather

    With record-breaking low temperatures and snowfall predicted in Colorado late Wednesday through Friday, the Colorado Department of Agriculture urges animal owners to take steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their animals in the potentially hazardous weather conditions.

    “Anyone who owns animals should prepare for this cold weather and emergencies that may arise as a result of the low temperatures,” said Colorado State Veterinarian Dr. Maggie Baldwin. “To the greatest extent possible, Coloradans should ensure all animals have access to adequate shelter with bedding and access to fresh water and plenty of food, as animals typically need more food and water in cold temperatures.”

    Owners should consider bringing pets inside the home. Animal owners should make sure they have a way to maintain fresh water and food supply for animals in the case of extreme snow and ice. Cold weather can lead to power outages, which can cause mechanized feeders or heaters to become inoperable, so animal owners should make a preparedness plan to deal with any emergencies.

    Severe and prolonged low temperatures can also cause problems for livestock, horses and their owners. Anyone going through a large winter storm for the first time should prepare by providing access to shelter for small farm animals like pigs, goats, and birds. Shelters, sheds, or windbreaks will protect livestock from winter storms and having bedding available can create a warm place to keep horses and livestock off ice and mud.

    Additional information on how to prepare for severe winter storms can be found at Prep4AgThreads.org, including information about protecting your companion animals, livestock, or your farm. Additionally, livestock information can be found on the CSU Extension website.

    La veterinaria del Estado ofrece recursos a los habitantes de Colorado que protejan a los animales durante la próxima ola de frío extremo

    Con récord de bajas temperaturas y nevadas previstas en Colorado desde el miércoles hasta el viernes, el Departamento de Agricultura de Colorado recomienda a los propietarios de animales que tomen medidas para garantizar la seguridad y el bienestar de sus animales en las condiciones climáticas potencialmente peligrosas.

    “Cualquiera que tenga animales debe prepararse para este clima frío y las emergencias que puedan surgir como consecuencia de las bajas temperaturas,” dijo la Dra. Maggie Baldwin, Veterinaria del Estado de Colorado. “En la mayor medida posible, los habitantes de Colorado deben asegurarse de que todos los animales tengan acceso a un refugio adecuado con ropa de cama y acceso a agua fresca y comida en abundancia, ya que los animales suelen necesitar más comida y agua cuando las temperaturas son frías.”

    Los propietarios deben considerar la posibilidad de meter a las mascotas en casa. Los propietarios de animales deben asegurarse de que disponen de un modo de mantener el suministro de agua fresca y alimentos para los animales en caso de nevadas y heladas extremas. El frío puede provocar cortes de electricidad, que pueden hacer que los comederos mecanizados o los calefactores dejen de funcionar, por lo que los propietarios de animales deben elaborar un plan de preparación para hacer frente a cualquier emergencia.

    Las bajas temperaturas severas y prolongadas también pueden causar problemas para el ganado, los caballos y sus propietarios. Cualquiera que esté pasando por una gran tormenta de invierno por primera vez debe prepararse proporcionando acceso a refugios para los pequeños animales de granja como cerdos, cabras y pájaros. Los refugios, cobertizos o cortavientos protegerán al ganado de las tormentas invernales, y disponer de camas puede crear un lugar cálido para mantener a los caballos y al ganado alejados del hielo y el barro.

    En Prep4AgThreats.org encontrará información adicional sobre cómo prepararse para  tormentas invernales severas, incluida información sobre cómo proteger a sus animales domésticos, ganado o su granja (información solo en inglés). Además, se puede encontrar información ganadera en la página web de la Extensión de la CSU.

  • Troopers Warn of Dangerous Conditions for Drivers as Snowstorm Moves Across the State

    Snow

    Colorado is in for additional snowstorms this week with the first storm, anticipated to be the largest, beginning tonight for the front range and eastern plains and continuing throughout tomorrow. The Colorado State Patrol is asking travelers across most of the state to stay home Wednesday, if possible, during this next round of inclement weather.

    If travel is unavoidable, take time before the storm begins to ensure your vehicle is properly equipped.

    • Ensure your tires are up to the task with a minimum tread depth of 3/16”
    • Check your windshield wipers, replace them if needed, and fill your washer fluid.
    • Check your battery and ensure all your vehicle’s systems are working properly.
    • AWD or 4×4 vehicles would be best, also consider including tire chains or other alternative traction devices.
    • Commercial vehicles should be ready with chains.
    • Electric and Hybrid Vehicles – charge up as cold temperatures drain the battery.

    If you must go out, take precautions in the event you become stranded. Be sure to stay with your vehicle and put bright markers on the antenna or window. The Colorado State Patrol recommends that you bring extra clothing, snow boots, and blankets in addition to some food and water in the event you must shelter in your vehicle for some time. Also, to ensure you can get help on its way, carry a portable power bank or charger for your phone. In an emergency, you should call 9-1-1 from anywhere in the state.

    Again, troopers ask that you do everything you can to stay home and off the roads. However, if you must drive, be cognizant of the changing conditions and take a slow, cautious approach. Look for plows and keep your distance as they do a very important job for our communities.

    Stay alert for first responders working in these conditions or stranded motorists. Slow and cautious driving is always the best option in winter weather.

    Additional Winter Driving Tips 

    • Scrape all your windows and remove the snow from the roof of your vehicle!!
    • Check the weather and your complete route before your head out. Be prepared for changing conditions.
    • Go slow. Adjust your overall driving speed down when there is snow or ice. Accelerate slowly to avoid skids. Decelerate slowly – it takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
    • Increase your follow distance. Longer distances are needed to come to a safe stop.
  • Forecast: 1.93 Million Coloradans to Travel for Year-End Holidays

    Forecast: 1.93 Million Coloradans to Travel for Year-End Holidays

    DENVER (Dec. 20, 2022) – Coloradans are spending more on travel than at any other time in the past two years – but they’re not letting rising costs hold them back. AAA’s latest travel forecast finds that 1.93 million Coloradans will journey 50 miles or more away from home from December 23 through January 2, a number second only to the record set in 2019.

    “Spin the wheel and you could land on any number of reasons not to travel right now, from economic uncertainty to inflation to fears of a ‘tripledemic.’ Coloradans are nothing if not resilient, though, and they’ve decided to travel for the holidays in nearly record numbers,” said Skyler McKinley, regional director of public affairs for AAA.

    Nationwide, 112.7 million Americans will travel during the year-end holidays. That’s an increase of 3.6 million people over last year, and the third busiest on record – though it’s below pre-pandemic levels, suggesting Coloradans are more prone than the national average to get up and go right now.

    Planes, Trains and Automobiles

    Nationwide, 90% of holiday travelers will drive to their destinations. In Colorado, 1.72 million will hit the roads.

    Air travel is up 14% over last year, with nearly 7.2 million Americans expected to fly. Flights and airports will be packed this holiday season in a return to pre-pandemic fervor. Demand for flights has surged despite higher ticket prices, resulting in air travel figures just below 2019.

    Other modes of transportation are also rebounding in a big way. AAA estimates travel by bus, rail, and cruise ship will rise to 3.6 million Americans this holiday season, a 23% increase from last year and nearly 94% of 2019’s volume.

    Gas Prices: Falling Fast
    Road trippers will be rewarded with a little bit more to spend on yuletide cheer: Colorado gas prices have declined every day since October 11. They’ve fallen 53 cents since this time last month and more than a dime on the week.

    On Monday, the average price for gasoline in Colorado was $2.87 per gallon. That’s 47 cents cheaper per gallon than a year ago.

    “Since most Americans made their holiday travel plans long ago, plunging pump prices won’t necessarily lead to more auto travelers,” McKinley said. “What we often see is consumers reallocating those added savings, spending more on hotels, shopping, and dining out.”

    Hotel & Airfare Up; Car Rental Rates Down

    Airfares cost 6% more than last year, with the lowest round-trip coming in at $163 compared to $154 in 2021.

    Hotels cost more than 2021, with a mid-range AAA Three Diamond property ringing in at $167 per night compared to $160 last year.

    Car Rentals cost 19%, down to $105 per day from $130 last year.

    Congestion, Congestion, Congestion

    Drivers should prepare for delays, particularly in and around major metro areas. Nationwide, drivers could see travel times increase by 25%, according to INRIX, a provider of transportation analytics and insights. The most congested days on the road are forecast to be Friday before Christmas, December 27 and 28, and on Monday, January 2. INRIX predicts the single busiest travel day will be Tuesday, December 27th. The best advice for avoiding congestion is to leave early in the morning or later in the evening.

    AAA Advice for Auto Travelers

    • Leave early so you’re not in a rush.
    • Watch the weather . Consider alternate routes or adjust your departure time to avoid driving through bad weather.
    • Never drive distracted. Pre-program your GPS and put the cellphone down while driving.
    • Wear your seatbelt and never drive impaired. 

    AAA to Rescue Nearly 900,000 Stranded Motorists

    Approximately 899,000 drivers will call for AAA roadside assistance during the 11-day holiday period.

    The most common calls will relate to dead batteries, flat tires, and lockouts. AAA encourages drivers to get a full vehicle inspection before they hit the road to check everything out from the tires up – including oil, the air filter, and wiper blades. We can help you find a mechanic you can trust at AAA.com/AutoRepair.

    Ensure your vehicle has an emergency kit . This should include jumper cables, a first-aid kit, car/portable phone chargers, a flashlight with extra batteries, and drinking water and snacks for everyone in the car. Don’t forget an extra set of warm clothes, gloves, hats and blankets. Click here to view a full list of items.

    “Move Over for Me”
    A mix of winter weather, an increase in impaired drivers, and the influx of auto travelers will make the holidays especially dangerous for those stuck at the roadside. AAA reminds motorists to slow down and move over for first responders and tow trucks, as is required by Colorado law. You should extend the same courtesy to folks with disabled vehicles.

    “Every traveler, tow truck driver, first responder, and road crew deserves to make it home for the holidays,” McKinley said. “Saving a life is as easy as slowing down and moving over whenever you see any flashing hazard lights at the roadside.”

    Learn more about AAA’s “Move Over for Me” campaign.

    Year-End Holiday Travel Period
    For purposes of this forecast, the year-end holiday travel period is defined as the 11-day period from Friday, December 23 to Monday, January 2. This period is the same length as the 2021/2022 year-end travel period.
    The year-end holiday travel period can range from 10 to 13 days, depending on which day of the week Christmas Day and New Year’s Day fall. All the year-end holiday periods contain two weekends.

    Methodology
    In cooperation with AAA, S&P Global Market Intelligence developed a unique methodology to forecast actual domestic travel volumes. The economic variables used to forecast travel for the current holiday are leveraged from S&P Global Market Intelligence’s proprietary databases. These data include macroeconomic drivers such as employment, output, household net worth, asset prices, including stock indices, interest rates, housing market indicators, and variables related to travel and tourism, including gasoline prices, airline travel, and hotel stays. AAA and S&P Global Market Intelligence have quantified holiday travel volumes going back to 2000.

    Historical travel volume estimates come from DK SHIFFLET’s TRAVEL PERFORMANCE/Monitor SM. The PERFORMANCE/Monitor SM is a comprehensive study measuring the travel behavior of U.S. residents. DK SHIFFLET contacts over 50,000 U.S. households each month to obtain detailed travel data, resulting in the unique ability to estimate visitor volume and spending, identify trends and forecast U.S. travel behavior-all after the trips have been taken.

    The travel forecast is reported in person-trips. In particular, AAA and S&P Global Market Intelligence forecast the total U.S. holiday travel volume and expected mode of transportation. The travel forecast presented in this report was prepared for the week of November 15, 2022.

  • Public Health Advisory for Adams and Arapahoe Counties

    Public Health Advisory for Adams and Arapahoe Counties

    Dangerously Cold Temperatures and Wind Chills Predicted for Adams and Arapahoe Counties

     

    Tri-County Health Department is issuing a public health advisory due to dangerously low temperatures and wind chills forecast by the National Weather Service (NWS) for this afternoon, Dec. 21 through Friday morning, Dec. 23. Temperatures will drop rapidly as we head into evening hours. Dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as five minutes.

     

    Take precautions to protect yourself from the cold:

    • Avoid outside activities if possible. If you have to be outdoors, dress in layers of warm clothing, including a hat, scarf, gloves, and socks.
    • Do not stay outdoors for extended periods.
    • Check on and help family members, friends and neighbors with limited mobility and limited access to heat, such as seniors or those who are ill. Check on them frequently.
    • If you have pets, bring them indoors and do not leave them outside overnight.

     

    Take shelter during peak cold times:

    • A Wind Chill Warning is in effect from 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, through 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23.
    • A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the Metro Denver area from the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 21, until 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 22.

     

    Health and safety risks and warning signs

     

    Hypothermia: People exposed to cold weather for prolonged periods can lose body heat and develop hypothermia. Symptoms vary depending on how long you are exposed to cold temperatures.

     

    Early signs of hypothermia include:

    • shivering
    • fatigue
    • loss of coordination
    • confusion and disorientation

     

    Late signs of hypothermia include:

    • no shivering
    • blue skin
    • dilated pupils
    • slowed pulse and breathing
    • loss of consciousness

     

    Frostbite: Even short exposure to these temperatures can create a risk of frostbite. Frostbite is a bodily injury caused by freezing that results in loss of feeling and color in affected areas. The most common areas affected are the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Gently warm the person and seek immediate medical care if you believe someone is showing signs of hypothermia or frostbite.

     

    Carbon monoxide poisoning: Take these actions to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning when heating your home:

    • Only use approved heaters, such as electric or natural gas heaters and fireplaces.
    • Never use stoves, barbecues or ovens to heat your room or home, as these appliances can produce a deadly gas known as carbon monoxide that can collect inside your home.
    • Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home to reduce the risk of poisoning.
  • Adams County Mobilizes Severe Weather Activation Program

    Adams County Mobilizes Severe Weather Activation Program

    Emergency Housing Available; 1,000+ Adams County Children Currently in Need 
     
    On Tuesday, Dec. 20, the Adams County Severe Weather Activation Program (SWAP) was activated and will be extended through Jan. 3. SWAP is activated when weather conditions become lower than 33°F and wet (rain or snow) or 21°F and dry. This is a program that provides life-saving measures and emergency housing for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. The assessment process may include referral to shelter, a hotel/motel stay, or severe weather supplies.  
     
    There are more than 4,400 people experiencing homelessness in Adams County with nearly half being households withyouth and children.  
     
    “We must show compassion for our unhoused neighbors and provide them with dignified options,” said County Commissioner Chair Lynn Baca. “Innovative indoor solutions like the Adams County Severe Weather Activation Program provides shelter and support for our residents during life-threatening winter storms like Elliot.” 
     
    Each year, SWAP participation has nearly doubled. In 2019, Adams County issued 88 SWAP vouchers for the whole season, and in 2022, the county issued up to 316 vouchers per day – a 289% increase. 
     
    One of the reasons for the increase in demand is the Severe Weather Shelter Network is no longer providing hotel vouchers in Jefferson County and Aurora. SWAP has inadvertently made up some of the difference. In addition, this fall has been particularly cold which has increased the demand for hotel vouchers compared to last season. 
     
    “We have a responsibility for the well-being of the community, especially our most vulnerable residents,” said Community Safety & Well-Being Director Matt Rivera. “SWAP is a powerful example of living up to that promise.” 
     
    Hotel partnerships have also tripled. This expansion has enabled the county to serve everyone who qualifies thus far. This season, Adams County predicts SWAP will shelter more than 1,000 unique individuals—averting almost 10,000 nights of unsheltered homelessness. 
     
    Limited vouchers will be available at the SWAP intake headquarters, Crossroads Community Center, but vouchers will also be distributed by outreach workers in the community. If you are an individual experiencing homelessness and connected with an outreach worker, please stay in communication with them for a higher likelihood of receiving a voucher.  
     
    An in-person assessment is required. When SWAP is activated, people seeking services should visit Crossroads Community Center, 10451 Huron St., Northglenn from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., visit almosthomeonline.org/swap, contact Kristina Owen at , or call 720.409.8988. 
     
    SWAP is one of many services offered to Adams County’s unsheltered population, which includes men, women, and children. To learn more about services available, visit adcogov.org/humanservices.