DENVER — Driving conditions were difficult in Colorado Friday and Saturday as a winter storm moved through the state.
Snow began falling in the mountains early Friday and spread into the Denver metro area, as well as the urban Front Range corridor and the eastern plains Friday evening.
As of Saturday morning, drivers were advised to be cautious of snow hiding slick, icy roads underneath.
Drivers can find the latest information about road conditions and travel alerts on the Colorado Department of Transportation's (CDOT) traveler information website, COtrip.
CDOT was reporting heavy traffic along the I-70 corridor Saturday, likely including many people heading up to the mountains to ski during the holiday weekend.
> VIDEO: Metro Denver sees snow, freezing rain
Multiple cities and counties were on accident alert due to the weather, including Denver, Lakewood, Douglas County, Parker, Thornton, Broomfield, Centennial and Fort Collins.
When agencies are on accident alert, drivers involved in crashes with vehicles that are still drivable and did not cause any injuries or involve drugs or alcohol are asked not to call 911 and report the crash at a later time.
In the event of severe winter weather and deteriorating road conditions, CDOT may close state-owned roadways and implement safety closures if there are spinouts or other incidents along the highways.
CDOT said it is important that motorists make sure their vehicles are packed with equipment that may be necessary in the event of a road closure over the holiday weekend.
Motorists can visit COtrip.org, the COtrip Planner app or call 511 for the latest road conditions and updated information about highway closures.
FORECAST: Full forecast
CLOSURES: Full list of closures
ALERTS: Latest Colorado weather alerts
Colorado chain and traction laws
CDOT urged travelers to be aware of chain and traction law codes before heading out on the roadway:
- Code 18/Commercial Chain Law: Commercial vehicles and trucks must have chains. Vehicles without chains can often lose traction, causing traffic delays and sometimes road closures. For the safety of the traveling public, it's critical to use chains to comply with Colorado's chain law.
- Code 15/Passenger Traction Law: All passenger vehicles must have appropriate all-weather tires with 3/16-inch depth. Vehicles must have one of the following: winter tires, tires with mud/snow (M+S) designation, chains or alternative traction devices such as an autosock. 4WD and AWD vehicles must have winter tires or all-weather tires.
- Code 16/Passenger Chain Law: All passenger vehicles need chains, except for 4WD and AWD vehicles with all-weather tires with 3/16-inch tread depth.
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