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Category: Weather & Traffic

  • Storm to hit Rockies before forming new ‘bomb cyclone’

    Storm to hit Rockies before forming new ‘bomb cyclone’

    By MATT VOLZ

    Associated Press

    HELENA, Mont. (AP) _ Flood, snow, avalanche and fire alerts popped up Monday from Idaho to Colorado, as parts of the U.S. interior that were paralyzed by blizzards and floods last month braced for round two of an unusual weather phenomenon.

    Welcome to springtime in the Rockies and parts of the Great Plains.

    It’s not unusual for floods, snow and fire to co-exist in the Rockies thanks to powerful storms blowing through the mountains, melting snow swelling waterways and high winds blowing through dry grasslands and trees that haven’t seen their first green shoots and leaves.  

    Those conditions are what drove a wildfire Sunday on southeastern Montana’s Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, where a house fire sparked a blaze that quickly burned through 1,700 acres (688 hectares) of dry grass and trees. It forced evacuations Sunday in Lame Deer, a town of about 2,000 people that is the seat of the tribal government, before fire crews were able to contain it.

    Also normal are the fire warnings issued for eastern Colorado on Monday, a day after a wildfire near Colorado Springs forced the temporary evacuation of about 20 homes. Forecasters frequently issue red flag warnings for March and April on the eastern and southeastern Colorado plains as the jet stream moves southward and brings stronger weather systems and higher wind, said Jennifer Stark, meteorologist in charge for the National Weather Service in Pueblo, Colorado.

    “This is the time of year when we get a roller coaster of weather,” Colorado state climatologist Russ Schumacher said Monday. “Going from 80 degree temperatures one day to a snowstorm the next is not that out of the ordinary, especially in March and April, around here.”

    But what is unusual is what’s coming next. A storm system that is moving in from the Pacific Ocean is forecast to intensify and form into a new inland “bomb cyclone.”

    A bomb cyclone is a rapid drop in air pressure _ at least 24 millibars in 24 hours _ and often is over or near oceans or seas because it requires warm moist air smacking into cold dry air, along with volatile weather from the jet stream. The central and mountain part of the country may get one of these every few winters, said Greg Carbin, forecast branch chief for the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center in Maryland.

    But this would be the second such storm in less than a month. The March 13 storm caused massive flooding in the Midwest, a blizzard in Colorado and Wyoming, and produced winds of between 96 mph and 110 mph (155 and 177.02 kph).

    This week’s bomb cyclone one is expected to be similar in intensity and in snowfall, meteorologists said. Heavy, wet snow will fall from the Nebraska panhandle through south central and southeastern South Dakota into western Minnesota. Wind speeds can reach 50 mph to 60 mph (80 to 96 kph) across Kansas.

    “This blizzard will further exacerbate flooding in Nebraska with the added insult of heavy snowfall to eventually melt,” said Ryan Maue, a meteorologist at the private weathermodels.com. “This is more bad news for suffering farmers who are unable to flip the calendar on winter.”

    But first, the storm is expected to flooding in Idaho and western Montana, and dump up to 2 feet (61 centimeters) feet of snow in the mountains of Montana and Wyoming as it moves in from the Pacific Ocean. Parts of Colorado that were under a fire warning Monday are expected to see snow and temperatures drops of more than 40 degrees by Wednesday at the southern edge of the storm, meteorologists said.

    While it’s unusual to see two consecutive inland bomb cyclones, it’s difficult to pin the cause on climate change, said Schumacher.

    “I think it’s an interesting question to ask whether there’s some climate change fingerprint on this,” he said. “But it’s a complicated puzzle to piece together.”

    That includes what is happening as the storm forms over the Pacific Ocean, what happens once it’s over land and what effect climate change may have on those variables.

    “I’m not sure we have the answer,” Schumacher said.

     

     

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  • Blizzard Warning: Wednesday April 10, 2019

    Blizzard Warning: Wednesday April 10, 2019

    A Blizzard Warning will go into effect, Wednesday April 10, 2019 at 12 p.m. until Thursday April 11, 2019 at 12 p.m.

    Very warm temperatures are expected today, ahead of a developing upper level storm system moving over the Great Basin. Drastic changes in the weather are expected to occur on Wednesday as a strong cold front will race across northeast Colorado which will bring much colder temperatures, strong north winds and heavy snow. Areas of heavy snowfall across the Front Range to the far eastern plains and strong winds will result in poor visibility and difficult driving conditions. Temperatures plummeting will result in icy roads. Residents of northeast Colorado should begin making preparations for this developing storm to avoid being caught by harsh winter conditions.

    Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches expected, heaviest south of I-76. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph.

    Travel could be very difficult. Patchy blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the evening commute. Strong winds and heavy snowfall could cause tree damage. Roads will likely become icy due to plummeting temperatures and strong winds.

    A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.

    More Information:

    National Weather Service

    Road Conditions

    Town of Bennett Snow Plow Routes and Procedures

     

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  • UPDATE: State Patrol asking assistance on injury hit and run crash

    UPDATE: State Patrol asking assistance on injury hit and run crash

     ADAMS COUNTY – Investigators with the Colorado State Patrol are asking the public for anyone who may be a witness or have information related to a hit and run crash on March 28, 2019

     At approximately 7:29 P.M near Riverdale Road and East 120th Parkway, a 26 year old man was struck while standing next to his blue Cherokee.  The only information investigators have is the male party was hit by a white pick-up.  The male pedestrian was injured and transported to the hospital.

    The vehicle was last seen northbound on Riverdale Road.  The vehicle should have damage to it on either the front or side of it.  If anyone was in the vicinity around that time and may have witnessed the crash, or see the vehicle, they are asked to contact the Colorado State Patrol as soon as possible.   

    Details of the crash itself are not yet available and it is still under investigation.  Anyone with information related to the crash or vehicle is encouraged to call the Colorado State Patrol at: 303-239-4501, reference case # 1D191325.

     

     

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  • BOLO injury hit and run

    BOLO injury hit and run

     ADAMS COUNTY – Investigators with the Colorado State Patrol are asking the public for anyone who may be a witness or have information related to an injury hit and run crash on March 22, 2019

     At approximately 8:35 P.M near 7540 Pecos, a 43 year old man was struck while crossing the roadway.  The only information investigators have is the male party was hit by a red 4 door sedan.  The male pedestrian was transported to the hospital with serious bodily injuries.

    The vehicle was last seen northbound on Pecos at El Paso.  The vehicle should have heavy front end damage and a broken windshield.  If anyone was in the vicinity around that time and may have witnessed the man, or the vehicle, they are asked to contact the Colorado State Patrol as soon as possible.   

    Details of the crash itself are not yet available and it is still under investigation.  Anyone with information related to the crash or vehicle is encouraged to call the Colorado State Patrol at: 303-239-4501, reference case # 1D191240.

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  • How to: Stay Safe in Winter Weather

    How to: Stay Safe in Winter Weather

    DENVER (March 13, 2019) – With a blizzard warning in effect for Denver and much of the Eastern Plains and a winter storm warning in the high country, Coloradans take note: Travel across much of the state will be difficult – marked by sustained winds, limited visibility and snow-covered and icy roads. 

     

    Calls for emergency roadside assistance are expected to spike. Dead batteries and sliding and crashes resulting from treadless and under-inflated tires will represent the majority of calls. To avoid losing control of their vehicle, motorists should ensure their tires are set to the pressures listed on the driver’s door or door frame. Tires begin to lose their resistance to wet and wintry conditions with as much as as 4/32″ of tread remaining. Any less than that and motorists are at a significant risk of losing traction. 

     

    Hazardous storms and inclement weather are a factor in half a million crashes and more than 2,000 road deaths every winter, according to research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. AAA urges drivers to slow down, be cautious, and prepare for worst-case conditions during their evening commutes. Before heading out, visit CoTrip.org for the latest road conditions and incident information.

     

    “It doesn’t matter what kind of car you drive. Snow and ice pose significant risks to every single motorist, and doubly so when they’re accompanied by high winds,” said AAA Colorado spokesman Skyler McKinley. “Budget extra time, take it slow, and keep a vigilant eye on traffic conditions in front of you. You’re not invincible, and watch out for the driver who thinks that he or she is. If a blizzard warning has been issued for your area, think twice before heading out.”

     

    AAA is encouraging drivers to be prepared and offers the below tips.

     

    Winter Driving Kit

     

    • Keep an emergency kit in your carwith tire chains, abrasive material such as sand or kitty litter, small shovel, flashlight with extra batteries, ice scraper, rags or paper towels, flares or other warning devices, booster cables and a first aid kit.
    • Bring blankets, jackets, hats and gloves for you and your passengers
    • Pack waters and snacks, such as energy bars, and bring pet food if you’re traveling with four-legged friends.
    • Charge your mobile phone before you hit the road.

     

    AAA Safe-Driving Tips for Slick or Icy Roadways

     

    • Slow down: Accelerate, turn, and brake gradually. Adjust your speed to the road conditions and leave yourself ample room to stop. Allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
    • Don’t tailgate: Normal following distances of three to four seconds on dry pavement should be extended to a minimum of eight to ten seconds when driving on slippery surfaces. The extra time will provide additional braking room should a sudden stop become necessary.
    • Watch the traffic ahead: Slow down immediately at the sight of brake lights, fishtailing cars, sideways skids, or emergency flashers ahead.
    • Avoid unnecessarily changing lanes: This increases the chance of hitting a patch of ice between lanes that could cause loss of vehicle control.
    • Use extreme caution on bridges and overpasses: Black ice typically forms first in shaded areas of the roadway and on bridges and overpasses that freeze first and melt last. Although the road leading up to a bridge may be fine, the bridge itself could be a sheet of ice.
    • Move over: Move over one lane for law enforcement and emergency roadside assistance personnel assisting motorists. It’s the law. If you can’t move over, slow down.
    • Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed down hill as slowly as possible.
    • Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road.

     

    AAA Tips for Braking on Ice

     

    • Minimize the need to brake on ice: If you’re approaching a stop sign, traffic light, or other area where ice often forms, brake early on clear pavement to reduce speed. Maintaining control of your vehicle is much more difficult when braking on ice-covered roadways.
    • Control the skid: In the event of a skid, ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. 
    • If your car has an anti-lock braking system (ABS): Do not remove your foot from the brake during a skid. When you apply the brakes hard enough to make the wheels lock momentarily, you will typically feel the brake pedal vibrate and pulsate back against your foot. This is normal and the system is working as designed. Do not release pressure on the pedal or attempt to “pump” the brakes.
    • If your car does not have an anti-lock braking system: Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to modulate the pressure applied to the brake pedal so the brakes are at the “threshold” of lockup but still rotating.

     

    AAA Tips when Icing Conditions Affect Vehicles

     

    • Completely clear off your car before driving:Failing to remove all snow and ice from the hood, roof, trunk and all windows of your vehicle can endanger other motorists and seriously limit your visibility while driving.
    • Ice coated windshield/windows: NEVER pour hot water on windshield or windows. This can cause the glass to break. Use vehicle defrosters to melt ice for easier removal. Don’t use windshield wipers to remove ice – this will damage the blades.
    • Frozen windows: Do not continue to push the power window buttons if the window is frozen. It can damage the mechanics inside the door and can also cause the window to break.
    • Frozen locks: Never use water to thaw frozen locks. Instead use commercial deicing products or heat the key and lock with a hair dryer. A lighter can also be used to heat the key.
    • Frozen windshield wipers: If windshield wipers are frozen to the windshield, use the heater and defroster to melt the ice before turning the windshield wipers on. When you arrive at your destination, remember to pull the windshield wipers away from the windshield to prevent refreezing.

     

     

     AAA Tips when Your Car Gets Stuck

     

    • Stay in the vehicle:If you leave your vehicle, you will become disoriented quickly in wind-driven snow and cold.
    • Conserve gas: Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat.
    • Breathe easy: While running the motor, open the window a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Clear snow from the exhaust pipe regularly.
    • Be visible to rescuers: Turn on the dome light at night when running the engine. Tie a bright colored cloth, preferably red, to your antenna or door. After the snow stops falling, raise the hood to indicate you need help.  
    • If you are a AAA member: Call us (1-800-AAA-HELP), download the mobile app, or request service onlinein order to receive emergency roadside assistance. 
    • Have your membership card and ID ready.
    • Allow us to confirm the year, make, and model and location of your vehicle.
    • Allow us to confirm the nature of the breakdown so we can send the appropriate resources to properly service your vehicle. 

     

     

    AAA Tips for Winter Wind

     

    • Trim trees and branches: Stray, wind-blown limbs can inflict serious damage on homes and vehicles. 
    • Put outdoor furniture inside:Chairs, tables, and umbrellas left on a patio can become dangerous projectiles. 
    • Inspect shingles: Unsecured shingles don’t stand much of a chance against a powerful storm. Consider having damaged or loose shingles replaced.
    • Cover windows: Securing your windows with plywood or aluminum roll-down shutters can guard them against debris.
    • Guard your garage door: Not all garage doors are built the same. Some are rated for stronger winds. Have your door inspected by a professional to see if it will hold. If it won’t, replacing it or reinforcing it could protect the door and the contents of your garage. 
    • Get the roof ready: Gable roofs are particularly susceptible to high winds, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Owners of gable-roof homes should check to see if the gable frame has a dedicated brace and, if not, consider having one installed.

     

    About AAA Colorado

    More than 685,000 members strong, AAA Colorado is the state’s most-trusted advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 59 million members with travel, insurance, financial, and automotive-related services – as well as member-exclusive savings. For more information, visit AAA.com.

     

     

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  • News Flash Arapahoe County offices and courts will close at 3 p.m. today due to the weather for Arapahoe County CO

    News Flash Arapahoe County offices and courts will close at 3 p.m. today due to the weather for Arapahoe County CO

    Arapahoe County government offices and courts are closing at 3 p.m. today, Wed., Feb. 6, due to the weather. Please plan accordingly and check our website for additional information. 

     

    http://www.arapahoegov.com

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  • State government offices in Denver area will close early today

    State government offices in Denver area will close early today

    DENVER — State of Colorado government offices in Denver and surrounding suburban counties will close at 2 p.m. due to extreme weather conditions.  

    State facilities essential to public health and safety will maintain regular operating schedules and “essential personnel” will maintain regular schedules. 

    The Colorado Judicial Branch posts its own information regarding closures and delays related to Colorado’s courthouses and probation offices. Visit www.courts.state.co.us for current information related to courts and probation. The Colorado General Assembly posts daily schedules at www.leg.colorado.gov.

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  • Colorado cracking down on DUI drivers around New Year’s

    Colorado cracking down on DUI drivers around New Year’s

    DENVER (AP) _ The Colorado State Patrol and police around the state are cracking down on drivers under the influence as the year draws to a close.

    The Colorado Department of Transportation says there will be saturation patrols and extra law enforcement officers on duty from Friday through Wednesday, with over 100 agencies participating.

    Last year, 357 impaired drivers were arrested during the 5-day period around New Year’s.

    The increased enforcement comes as the head of the state patrol is urging drivers to be more careful throughout the year. As of Thursday, 600 people had died on the state’s roads in 2018, including nine in less than 72 hours. In a video posted on social media, Col. Matthew Packard blamed “selfish driving”, from impairment to not paying attention, for the latest deaths.

  • Air Quality Health Advisory for Blowing Dust

    Air Quality Health Advisory for Blowing Dust

    Issued for portions of northeastern Colorado

    Issued at 2:30 PM MST, Friday November 23rd, 2018

     

    Issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

     

    Affected Area:  Portions of northeastern Colorado including portions of northeastern Weld County, eastern Adams and Arapahoe Counties, and the entirety of Morgan, Logan, Sedgwick, Phillips, Washington, and Yuma Counties. Communities affected include but are not limited to Julesburg, Holyoke, Sterling, Akron, Wray, and Deer Trail.

     

    Advisory in Effect:  2:30 PM MST, Friday, November 23, 2018 to 8:00 PM MST, Friday, November 23, 2018.

     

    Public Health Recommendations:  If significant blowing dust is present and reducing visibility to less than 10 miles across a wide area, People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children in the affected area should reduce prolonged or heavy indoor and outdoor exertion.

     

    Outlook:  Strong and gusty winds will produce areas of blowing dust on Friday.  Areas of blowing dust will persist throughout the region during the afternoon and evening hours.  The threat for blowing dust will gradually diminish across the entire region during the late evening hours.

     

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  • S. E-470 ramps to close at I-70 for bridge work

    S. E-470 ramps to close at I-70 for bridge work

    AURORA — Southbound E-470 off-ramps to eastbound and westbound I-70 will close from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 27, for routine bridge maintenance.

    The work will require the same closure from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 3.

    Drivers who need I-70 access will be detoured to the Sixth Avenue Parkway exit on southbound E-470, where they will be rerouted onto I-70. No tolls will be charged on the Sixth Avenue Parkway ramps while the detour is in place.

    For more information, visit www.e-470.com.