Blizzard Warning Hits Northern El Paso County, Major Disruptions Expected

A blizzard warning has been declared for northern El Paso County by the National Weather Service office in Pueblo, effective from Monday evening to Tuesday afternoon.

The warning spans from 7 p.m. on Monday through 3 p.m. on Tuesday. The Weather Service cautioned in a social media update that travel on Tuesday, particularly during the morning and evening commutes, will be hazardous, especially along the Interstate 25 corridor extending east to the plains.

In anticipation of the severe weather, several prominent schools and colleges, including Academy District 20 and District 49, have opted to either cancel classes or delay start times for Tuesday. Additionally, military installations such as Peterson Space Force Base have announced delays.

Residents can expect a total snowfall of 4 to 10 inches combined with wind gusts reaching up to 70 mph in regions along the Palmer Divide, such as Black Forest and Monument.

Visibility could plummet to less than a quarter mile due to blowing snow. “Whiteout conditions may arise, rendering travel perilous and potentially life-threatening,” the Weather Service warned.

This approaching storm is set to introduce a mix of adverse weather conditions, beginning with heightened fire risk on Monday before transitioning into snow and blowing snow later tonight and throughout Tuesday.