COLORADO SPRINGS – The Colorado Department of Transportation is warning drivers that major interstates could close Wednesday afternoon due to a blizzard expected to impact the state.
Blizzard conditions are expected along the I-25 corridor and east of I-25 where wind gusts are forecasted to be 45-65 mph. CDOT said I-25 could close at Monument Hill and north of the Palmer Divide depending on conditions. I-70 and I-76 could also experience closures and major streets in Denver could experience problems. During the last blizzard, Highway 83 and Highway 105 were also closed.
RELATED: Blizzard to hit northern El Paso County today with life-threatening conditions if stranded
Temperatures are expected to plummet as the system moves through, with wind chills near or even below zero possible tonight. If you become stranded, it could turn into a life-threatening situation.
CDOT is urging commuters to leave early if possible, and make sure to have a full tank of gas and a fully stocked emergency kit with extra blankets, food, water and extra clothes. Even if you have winter tires or chains, low visibility will be the main problem with this storm.
Conditions are expected to deteriorate starting around 2 p.m. in northern El Paso County, but the event will begin earlier the further north you go in Colorado.
Strong winds can also cause problems on the eastern plains, with some gusts possibly reaching 65 miles per hour. Drivers should also use caution in those areas.
