Friday’s wintry weather has caused numerous accidents, closing eastbound I-70 at Vail Pass.
“Conditions are deteriorating rapidly,” said Colorado Department of Transportation spokesman Paul Peterson.
The closure begins at mile marker 180, to the top of the pass. The road is icy, snowpacked, and gusty winds and falling snow are hurting visibility, he said. There was no estimate on when eastbound travel might resume.
Chain laws for larger commercial vehicles are in effect for the Eisenhower Tunnel, Vail Pass, U.S. 6 at Loveland Pass and Berthoud Pass.
A winter storm warning for the central and northern mountains is in effect until Saturday afternoon.
Snow began falling this morning on Interstate-70 from Georgetown west beyond Vail. It’s also falling on U.S. 40 on Berthoud Pass west toward Kremmling.
Up to 18 inches of snow could fall on Rabbit Ears Pass near Steamboat Springs, Berthoud Pass near Winter Park, Loveland Pass above Georgetown and Vail Pass.
The storm will also bring high winds, with gusts up to 40 miles per hour, causing severe and sometimes dangerous drifting. Driving could become very difficult.
Denver received rain late this afternoon in time for rush hour traffic and is expected to get snow during the night. Accumulations of 1-2 inches are expected on grassy areas, with road temperatures still to warm to be covered with snow.
