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Clear Creek, Gilpin counties declare local disaster emergency

The declaration makes the counties eligible for funds and resources from the state that may become available.

CLEAR CREEK COUNTY, Colo. — So much snow fell in Clear Creek and Gilpin counties that they each declared a local emergency Thursday afternoon to help them get additional resources.

Clear Creek County said the heavy snow and large amount of accumulation resulted in stranded drivers and stretched resources thin as crews tried to reach them.

"We were just wanting people to know if you can stay home, please stay home. This is a pretty serious situation, and we just want our emergency services to get to those that need help," said Megan Hiler with Clear Creek County.

According to the declaration, the magnitude of the storm "has caused, or will soon cause" the county to exceed available resources.

Gilpin County said they "determined that it is in the best interest of public safety to encourage residents and motorists to not travel."

“This snowstorm has severely stretched the County’s resources,” County Manager Ray Rears said in a news release. 

Gilpin County Sheriff Kevin Armstrong said, “at this time, we are asking the public to stay home and off the roads. Our first priority is to keep our community members and visitors safe, and to ensure our first responders can do their jobs.”

Hiler said members of the Clear Creek County sheriff's office are using snowcats to reach people "where they are." She could not say how many people had been stranded or how many people might still be waiting for rescue.

RELATED: Travelers stranded for hours on a bus on I-70 make it home

"Obviously it's I-70, and we live in the high country. So this isn't a first, but that doesn't mean it's not a serious situation," Hiler said.

Hiler said first responders have been working around the clock to assist everyone in need as quickly as possible.

"Like anybody, they're going to get tired, so we just want to make sure they're OK, so we can help others," Hiler said.

The disaster declaration enables the county to activate certain response plans and makes them eligible for funds and resources from the state that may become available to support the response.

The declaration will expire in seven days unless it's extended.   

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