UPDATE: Thousands stranded by blizzard on I-25 and El Paso County, still retrieving cars

With thousands of cars stranded, drivers are left looking to retrieve their cars.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, however, says they received 150 calls for help and vehicles were towed so crews could clear the roads.

“We don’t want people to feel bad that their car was stranded. We just want them to know that as public safety officials we have to make sure that the roads are passable, getting them plowed and that the cars aren’t impeding on the flow of traffic,” said Jackie Kirby, EPSO spokeswoman.

If you attempted to get your vehicle and it was gone, Colorado Springs police can help you track it down. Call (719) 544-2424 for assistance.

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As of 10:00pm on Wednesday night, 500-1000 drivers were still stranded along I-25 between Colorado Springs and Denver, according to a state emergency management official.

However, the interstate reopened in both directions around 11:00pm, and traffic slowly got going again.

Early Wednesday afternoon, all traffic heading north on I-25 through Colorado Springs was forced to exit at Woodmen.

But I-25 was far from the only trouble spot in El Paso County on Wednesday.

Similar strandings played out across the area, in particular the northeast part of Colorado Springs.

Snow plows did what they could, but the blowing snow was relentless, leading to whiteout conditions along Woodmen, Highway 24, and other roads.

Eastbound traffic was eventually stopped on Highway 24 at Constitution due to extreme conditions.

Eastbound traffic on Woodman was eventually closed at Marksheffel, with reports of 6 to 8 foot snow drifts covering the road beyond the barricade.

Abandoned cars were littered along highways and in neighborhoods.

Some drivers became stuck, while others just pulled over to wait out the blizzard.

A 7-11 near Woodmen and Marksheffel became an oasis for stranded drivers, as the parking lot was filled with at least 60 cars at one point.

Driver Darlene Aceto was there for at least four hours, waiting to get through.

“The cops had the road blocked off, so they directed us here, and we’ve been here since noon,” she said.

Other drivers had to be rescued.

“Some people needed medical attention and that sort of thing, people weren’t prepared with full tanks of gas, proper clothing, proper medical supplies, oxygen if they need that,” said CSPD officer Richard Hunt.

Hunt estimated about 2,000 drivers were stranded in the Woodmen area, with upwards of 10,000 strandings citywide.

The sun finally came out around 6:00, which helped to turn the snow to slush on most main roads in Colorado Springs.

Brian Brazell, also stuck at the 7-11, tried to make the best of it.

“It’s Colorado. It’s spring snow, it’s wet snow. It’s water. It’s water for your grass,” he said.

If you’re caught stranded in a winter storm, here are some tips that could save your life.