Multiple Winter Storm Advisories in Effect over Parts of Colorado, Drivers Put Chains on Tires as 2-Foot Snow Expected Until Wednesday

As strong wind gusts and up to two feet of snow are predicted through Wednesday, the NWS has issued multiple winter storm advisories over portions of Colorado. Drivers and vehicle owners are advised to take extra precaution by putting chains on their tires.

At the beginning of the week, a fresh round of winter weather will proceed into Colorado, dumping several inches of snow in the Denver metropolitan area and more than a foot in some mountain areas.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings, advisories, and watches for Colorado due to the impending cold front.

Winter Storm Watch

The Winter Storm Watch is in effect for the Denver metro area from Tuesday at 5 PM to Wednesday at 5 PM East central, north central, and northeastern Colorado, including Denver, may experience heavy snowfall of five to ten inches.

Heavy snowfall on the roads from Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday afternoon may make travel challenging. The risky conditions might affect Wednesday's morning and evening commutes.

Winter Storm Warning

Beginning at 5 PM on Monday, the NWS has issued a Winter Storm Warning for parts of the Elkhead and Park Mountains, San Juan River Basin, Four Corners, and San Juan Mountains. Above 10,000 feet, one to two feet of snowfall and wind gusts of up to 40 mph are predicted.

By Wednesday evening, this system will have left the state, and ahead of the next system that will arrive on Friday, a brief weak ridge will briefly develop in the region, 9News reports.

Winter Storm Advisory

According to the National Weather Service, several areas are under a Winter Storm Advisory as snow may reach 5 inches in areas including the Flat Tops, the Northwestern San Juan Mountains, the Roan and Tavaputs Plateaus, the Uncompahgre Plateau, the Dallas Divide, the Grand and Battlement Mesas, and the West Elk and Sawatch Mountains. The advisory will last until 11 AM on Wednesday, January 18. The advisory is in effect until 5 PM for areas in the Gore and Elk Mountains, and Central Mountain Valleys.

Chain and Traction Law Codes in Colorado

Before entering a highway, motorists are advised to be aware of the chain and traction laws, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). Without chains, cars frequently lose traction, which can lead to traffic jams and even road closures. It is imperative to use chains to adhere to Colorado's chain law for the protection of the general public on the road. The most frequently used codes have been compiled by 9News and include:

Commercial Chain Law (Code 18): Trucks and commercial vehicles must have chains.

Passenger Traction Law (Code 15): All passenger cars must have tires that are suitable for all weather conditions and are 3/16 inches deep. Vehicles must be equipped with one of the following: chains, winter tires, tires designated for mud and snow (M+S), and tires with traction devices other than tires, such as an autosock. All-weather tires or Winter tires must be installed on 4WD and AWD vehicles.

Passenger Chain Law (Code 16): Chains are required for all passenger cars, except for 4WD and AWD models equipped with all-weather tires with a 3/16-inch tread depth, 9News reports.

Traveling in Colorado During a Winter Weather

Driving in the winter in Colorado can be risky for everyone, whether they are locals, newcomers, or tourists. The Colorado Department of Transportation advises motorists to be ready for this kind of travel.

When there is snow and ice on the road, anything can happen, so drivers and passengers should take extra care to prepare both themselves and their vehicles for winter driving conditions.

For example, the department listed items that should be checked for automotive preparedness before traveling. These items include windshield wiper fluid, heater or defroster, lights, wiper blades, radiator or antifreeze, fuel system or a full tank of gas, ignition, exhaust system, battery, tire tread of at least 3/16", and brakes.