DENVER —
Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and maintenance crews have been assigned to "round-the-clock" snow shifts beginning Monday morning in anticipation of the major snow storm headed to the state this week.
Xcel Energy is also preparing additional crews to help get customers' lights back on for those who may lose power during the winter storm. The crews will be prepared Monday evening to respond to outages and quickly restore electric service.
Forecasts call for snow that will become widespread by Monday night, continuing overnight into Tuesday. The snow will be driven by wind up to 30 mph from the north during the day on Tuesday.
Thanksgiving travel plans may be impacted, and some airlines are offering travel waivers in an effort to get ahead of what could be nearly impossible travel conditions.
Due to cold temperatures throughout the snow storm, slick and icy conditions are expected, especially on Tuesday morning, according to CDOT.
CDOT urges motorists to limit driving while it is snowing and recommends travelers delay travel throughout the state until Wednesday.
Travelers can check cotrip.org for possible highway safety closures.
CDOT’S plans for this week:
- As snowfall rates increase, crews will focus on primary roads and reduce levels of service on secondary roads in an effort to reduce impacts to the main highways.
- To reduce potential delays, most CDOT construction projects will be suspended statewide by Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 27.
CDOT’S tips for motorists if they must drive during the snow storm:
- Drive slowly and reduce speed.
- Do not follow the car in front too closely.
- Do not pass the plows.
- Check cotrip.org for the latest road conditions before heading out.
- Make sure car is prepared for winter conditions with the proper tires, a snow scraper and other necessary items such as a flashlight and winter clothing gear.
Additional holiday traffic information from CDOT:
- Traffic on Interstate 70 west typically increases on Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving, with westbound traffic expected to be heavier than normal through Friday, Nov. 29, primarily from 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.
- Heavy traffic should be anticipated on eastbound I-70 Saturday and Sunday, especially between Vail and the Denver area from late morning until late afternoon.
- Traffic on the I-25 corridor is expected to be high this Thanksgiving holiday due to the number of large shopping areas located along the Front Range corridor.
Xcel Energy's tips:
Customers are encouraged to report power outages promptly, Xcel offers several ways to report an outage:
- Xcel Energy mobile app available on iOS and Android.
- Online at xcelenergy.com/out
- Text "OUT" to 98936 to report an outage.
- Text STAT to 98936 to check the status of a power outage.
- Call 1-800-895-1999 and follow the prompts. Once the cause of the problem is identified, the system or an Xcel Energy representative will provide customers with an estimated restoration time.
Other tips Xcel Energy recommended to stay safe:
- Stay away from downed power lines. Always assume an electric line, even one that is on or near the ground, is energized and therefore dangerous.
- Keep natural gas meters clear. Clearing snow and ice from natural gas meters is key to avoiding the potential for dangerous natural gas buildup indoors due to vents becoming sealed when covered in ice and snow.
- Build a home emergency kit. Xcel Energy recommended assembling an accessible kit that can be used in the event of a power outage. Batteries, flashlights and bottled water are a few items listed.
- Heating safety. If using a space heater, take care to ensure safety. When using a space heater, make sure the heater has the label showing it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory, and read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels. Additionally, inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs and connections, don’t use it if they are frayed, worn or damaged.
- Observe food safety. To maintain refrigerator and freezer temperatures, keep doors closed as much as possible. A full freezer will stay at freezing temperatures for approximately two days and a half-full freezer approximately one day.
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