Blizzard Warning Issued for Northern El Paso County

The National Weather Service in Pueblo has issued a blizzard warning for northern El Paso County, effective from 7 p.m. Monday through 3 p.m. Tuesday.

Severe Travel Conditions Expected

Hazardous travel conditions are anticipated throughout Tuesday, particularly during the morning and evening commutes. The most affected areas include the Interstate 25 corridor extending eastward to the plains, according to the Weather Service.

As a precaution, several schools and colleges, including Academy District 20 and District 49, have announced closures or delayed start times for Tuesday. Military installations such as Peterson Space Force Base have also reported operational delays. Check the latest updates for closures and delays here.

Significant Snow and High Winds Forecasted

The storm is expected to bring snow accumulations ranging from 4 to 10 inches, with wind gusts reaching up to 70 mph. The Palmer Divide, including areas like Black Forest and Monument, will experience the highest impact. Blowing snow may reduce visibility to less than a quarter mile, creating whiteout conditions that could make travel extremely dangerous or life-threatening.

Weather Patterns and Precautions

Earlier on Monday, Colorado Springs reached a high of 59 degrees, while parts of the Pikes Peak region were under a red-flag warning due to high fire danger. However, the incoming storm will bring a drastic shift, with snowfall predominantly affecting elevations above 6,000 to 6,500 feet.

According to meteorologist Alan Rose of KOAA, downtown Colorado Springs may only receive a few inches of snow, while the northern parts of the city could accumulate between 4 to 8 inches. Higher elevations may see even greater totals. Additionally, mountain passes could experience up to 17 inches of snow with wind gusts of 50 mph.

Wind and Temperature Impact

Tuesday is expected to be very windy and colder, with gusts of 50-60 mph in Colorado Springs during the first half of the day. Conditions will improve by Wednesday, with temperatures rising to the mid-to-upper 40s.

City Preparations and Response

City officials in Colorado Springs confirmed that snow and ice crews were mobilizing Monday evening. A full crew deployment is scheduled to begin at midnight Tuesday to address snowfall as it begins.

Four-Day Weather Outlook

• Tuesday: 50% chance of snow showers before 11 a.m. Blowing dust possible before 2 p.m. Partly sunny, high near 41°F. North winds at 25-35 mph, gusting up to 50 mph. Less than half an inch of new snow accumulation expected.

• Wednesday: Sunny, high near 47°F. Light and variable winds becoming south-southeast at 5-10 mph in the afternoon.

• Thursday: 30% chance of showers after 5 p.m. Mostly sunny, high near 54°F. Breezy, with west winds at 5-10 mph increasing to 15-20 mph in the afternoon, gusts up to 30 mph.

• Friday: 50% chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, high near 42°F. North wind around 10 mph.

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