Spring storm impacts southern Colorado

Southern Colorado is getting its fair share of rain and snow. There was also another element that presented another challenge for drivers on the roads Saturday.

Maurice Jojola, who is driving to Englewood from New Mexico, said he had to take a break from the drive because it was treacherous.

“(It) gets whiteout in spots, mostly over in (the Walsenburg area). (It was) just real slick. You can hydroplane. It’s really dangerous,” he said.

Most of the day, in Huerfano County, there were blinding driving conditions, which was an issue for the crews trying to clear the roads.

“Cause of the visibility, our plow drivers can’t move real fast,” CDOT Manager Jeff Vanmatre said.

He also said this is the worst April snowstorm he has seen in more than 20 years.

The challenging driving conditions didn’t stop people from getting food and other items at a Walsenburg grocery store.

“We have had a busy day. People are stocking up on their supplies. So if it’s a real bad (storm), they can have their supplies and be safe too,” grocery store manager Jessica Back said.

As for Jojola, he said it will be a long drive back to Englewood because of the storm, but he wants to take his time and be safe, rather than drive fast and risk being in danger.

CDOT has 20 plows clearing the roads in Huerfano and Las Animas counties.