Second winter storm of the week hits southern Colorado
The mild fall weather our area enjoyed a week ago seems to be finished for the season as another winter storm moved through Saturday night following a similar storm Monday evening.
Many drivers scurried to finish errands and return home before the snow fell. Major streets and roads, which had been clear for only two days, were covered with several inches of fresh snow by midnight Saturday.
“I wish I was more prepared — windshield wipers, tires, the washer fluid, everything,” said Colorado Springs driver Daniel Barden. “Last time, the wind kind of built up on the windows and it was just crazy from there.”
Other drivers said they had emergency supplies in their vehicles in case they’re needed.
“I keep a blanket in the back of the car,” said Kaily Murray. “I have a 36-pack of water in the back of my car, I’ve got Cliff bars just in case, a safety kit.”
Several drivers said they were dissatisfied with the quality of plowing during the previous storm and hope it’ll be better this time.
“The only concern I had was last Tuesday, getting back from here, up to Monument,” said Nancy Mann. “It usually takes me 30 minutes. It took an hour and a half to get up there.”
In advance of the storm, the Colorado Department of Transportation sent three trucks out the north, east and west areas of El Paso County and was ready to call in more crews as needed.
“The cold really hampered us in the last storm,” said Kenneth Quintana, a CDOT supervisor. “The cold temperatures are a little harder to deal with, with our liquid de-icers.”
After working long hours for three days during and after Monday’s storm, Quintana said his crews rested Friday in anticipation of the second storm this weekend.
