Steamboat Today: Winter storm warning for Steamboat Springs

Archive for Sunday, February 3, 2008

By Staff report Sunday, February 3, 2008

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Keep up with the conditions

- For weather information, including storm warnings and advisories, visit www.wrh.noaa.gov/

- The Colorado Department of Transportation provides road conditions, closures and traffic cameras at www.cotrip.org. For travel information by phone, call 511 from anywhere in Colorado or dial (303) 639-1111.

- For flight information, visit www.flightview.com/ TravelTools/. By phone, call Delta Airlines at (800) 241-4141; United Airlines at (800) 864-8331; Continental Airlines at (800) 784-4444; American Airlines at (800) 433-7300; and Northwest Airlines at (800) 225-2525.

Steamboat Springs — Severe winter weather is again headed for Routt County. Steamboat Springs and surrounding areas are under a winter storm warning from 6 p.m. today through midnight Monday.

According to the National Weather Service, widespread snow will affect the mountains and valleys of western Colorado beginning late this afternoon. Steady snow began falling in Steamboat Springs at about 1:30 p.m. today.

Between 12 and 18 inches of "heavy fluffy snow" are forecast to fall in Steamboat, according to the weather service. Mountain areas could receive between 2 and 3 feet.

Meteorologists also are expecting wind gusts of 30 mph south of Steamboat. The gusts could create areas of blowing and drifting snow, particularly near the town of Yampa.

The National Weather Service advises against highway travel for the duration of the storm.

According to the winter storm warning, "Many highways will have closure, and it's highly recommended to check road conditions before departint. If you do not need to travel, then stay home. If you travel, expect snow covered and icy conditions everywhere during the next 24 hours.

"If you are planning travel through the mountains of Eastern Utah or Western Colorado today through Monday, be prepared for extremely poor travel conditions. Mountain passes will be icy and snowpacked with poor visibilities from blowing snow. Be sure to pack a winter survival kit in your vehicle if you must travel."