Spring snowstorm causes traffic troubles throughout Front Range, I-70 corridor

DENVER — A spring storm is bringing heavy, wet snow to much of Colorado Thursday and Friday.

The heaviest snow is expected to fall Thursday afternoon; expect widespread snow showers, gusty winds with bands of heavy snow.  

Major closures

• I-25 reopened after an hours-long closure Thursday afternoon on the "gap" between Castle Rock and Colorado Springs. Colorado State Patrol said it's smooth sailing ... as long as drivers take precautions. 
• Both directions of I-70 between Airpark and Burlington
• Both directions of I-76 between Lochbuie and the Nebraska state line

You can see all current closures here.

RELATED: Snowy start to spring: Here's how CDOT's preparing

Blizzard Warning

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the central and north-central mountains and blizzard warnings for the central and north-central plains. 

NWS heavy snow across is also expected in the southwest mountains as well as the I-70 and US 285 mountain corridors. 

These warnings expire early Friday.

Drivers are being encouraged to check the forecast before getting on the road. The NWS is also asking people to give plows room and strongly recommends checking state, city and county COVID-19 restrictions before traveling.

RELATED: Snow storm to bring heavy, wet snow Thursday

RELATED: Heavy snow and wind this evening, blizzard conditions east

Summit County

In the mountains, an alert went out in Summit County reminding travelers that, since hotels are closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, they might not have anywhere to stay if they're stranded in the adverse conditions. 

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) told drivers to essentially avoid the I-70 mountain corridor. 

The passenger traction law (chain law) is in effect for Interstate 70 in both directions between Denver and Vail. That was enacted at 7 a.m. and is expected to be in place throughout the day as blizzard-like conditions bring heavy snow and high winds to the mountains. 

The chain law is also in place for US 285 southwest of Denver, according to CDOT.

Accident alert

Multiple cities and counties have been placed on accident alert:

• Aurora
• Broomfield
• Douglas County
• Castle Rock
• Parker 
• Fort Collins

Drivers are encouraged not to call 911 for crashes and to instead exchange information unless someone has been hurt or there are drugs/alcohol involved. 

Check the 9NEWS traffic map before leaving if you do have to drive:

For a look at current conditions as reported by local agencies, check out the Twitter list below: 

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