El Paso County prepares and warns drivers for winter storm

Just weeks after the first, another bomb cyclone may be headed for El Paso County.

In March, a history-making storm raged through Southern Colorado, leaving more than 1,000 drivers stranded along highways. This time, El Paso County officials are telling people to stay home as a blizzard warning is in effect for the northern part of the county.

“Even when you’re driving or walking or whatever, you can become disoriented; there can be a situation where you can see a foot in front of your face,” says Matt Steiner, Deputy Public Information Officer.

During the last storm, Interstate 25 was shut down, leaving hundreds of drivers stranded on the side of the road, or forced to find a place to stay overnight.

A popular spot for that was a Kum and Go gas station near Monument. Drivers filling up at the same spot Tuesday remember the storm well.

“The thought of another one coming in after the crazy storm we had and the good weather we’ve been having … I’m nervous,” said Paige Alsup.

Others like Craig Padilla aren’t so sure it’ll be as bad this time.

“I’m hoping it’s not as bad as the last one because I drive to Denver every day,” he says.

The county emphasized they’d like people to stay home.

“Err on the side of caution. Assume those weather predictions are going to be worse than they might be, and if you start seeing snow and some high winds hitting, just stay off the roads,” Steiner said.

They’re hoping with fewer people on the road, the clean-up after the storm won’t take as long as the last time.