As a late spring storm approaches Colorado, the Front Range is on high alert for heavy, wet snowfall expected to hit the region from Tuesday into Wednes...
As a late spring storm approaches Colorado, the Front Range is on high alert for heavy, wet snowfall expected to hit the region from Tuesday into Wednesday. Xcel Energy has mobilized approximately 165 employees and crew members across the state to address potential power outages that may arise due to the storm.
In anticipation of the storm, Xcel’s director of strategy, outreach, and advocacy, Iffie Jennings, highlighted the risk of power outages caused by heavy, wet snow weighing down tree limbs onto power lines, particularly in the spring when the snow is denser.
To mitigate these risks, Xcel Energy has crews on standby to work tirelessly in case of widespread outages. In parallel, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is urging drivers to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm’s peak hours to ensure safety on the roads.
Impacts of the Spring Storm
The storm is expected to bring varying levels of snow accumulation across different regions:
- Denver Metro: Heavy, wet snowfall could lead to tree limbs breaking and potentially obstructing roadways. Slushy conditions are forecasted to extend south towards the Palmer Divide by Tuesday night.
- Northern Colorado: Areas in Boulder and Larimer counties might experience the heaviest snowfall, with accumulations possible near I-25 and eastern stretches of I-70 from Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
- I-70 Mountain Corridor: Snowfall will intensify across the mountains and foothills from Tuesday afternoon, with potential visibility issues due to heavy snow bands.
How to Prepare for the Storm
Both drivers and residents are advised to take necessary precautions:
- On the Road:
- Plan for extra commute time on Wednesday morning.
- Drive cautiously and maintain a safe distance between vehicles.
- Ensure vehicles are equipped with snow chains, especially commercial vehicles in mountainous areas.
- Carry a snow kit in your vehicle containing essentials like water, blankets, batteries, and clothing.
- Adhere to traffic rules, especially treating intersections with darkened traffic lights as four-way stops.
- Stay informed about road conditions through COtrip.org or the COtrip Planner app.
- At Home:
- Charge electronic devices in advance.
- Use space heaters safely and keep them attended at all times.
- Clear snow and ice from natural gas meters to prevent blockages.
- Maintain indoor air quality and install carbon monoxide detectors.
- Prepare a home emergency kit with essential supplies.
- Reporting Power Outages:
- Customers can report outages to Xcel Energy through various channels:
- Xcel Energy mobile app
- Website: xcelenergy.com/out
- Text OUT to 98936
- Call: 1-800-895-1999
Stay safe and be prepared as Colorado braces for the impact of the upcoming spring storm.
Source of the article: www.denver7.com