Blizzard warning in Colo., N.M. digs out ( Global Warming ? )

, Associated Press ^ | 12-20-06 | JON SARCHE

[george76]

A major snowstorm blew across Colorado toward the Plains on Wednesday, canceling hundreds of airline flights for holiday travelers and shutting down major highways in parts of four states.

The National Weather Service posted blizzard warnings for most of eastern Colorado and adjoining sections of Nebraska and Kansas.

A day earlier, the storm had pummeled New Mexico with up to a foot of snow.

Two feet of snow was possible in the foothills just west of Denver, with 2 to 3 feet a possibility farther north.

Up to 20 inches could accumulate on the Plains of eastern Colorado and wind up to 30 mph could pile the snow into high drifts...

"I'm going to grab my computer, talk to my boss and go back home,"... "I'm not going to take a risk and get stuck in Denver."

United Airlines, the busiest carrier at Denver International Airport, canceled more than 630 flights ...

Police closed Interstate 70 for more than 250 miles from just east of Denver to Colby, Kan., and sections of I-80 along a 140-mile stretch from Cheyenne, Wyo., to Big Springs, Neb...

"Crashes are beginning to occur," said Mary Jo Hall of the Nebraska Department of Roads.

Travelers stalled by the closures had already started filling Kansas motels during the morning, said Stan Whitley, a spokesman for the state Department of Transportation.

Truckers were pulling off I-80 at Ogallala, Neb. "Our parking lot is pretty small, but they're just kind of parked off on the streets," said cashier Michelle Krauter at the Sapp Brothers truck stop.

Scores of schools were closed, along with many courthouses in eastern Colorado.

[socal_parrot]

Do people generally have enough heating for all of the house in So Cal ?

No, but we huddle together with the illegals to stay warm.

[Semi Civil Servant]

A nice view of the dreaded Monument Hill north of Colorado Springs.

[r9etb]

You misunderstand ... I'm in Colorado Springs.

An "Albuquerque Low" is a weather pattern where a low pressure cell sets in over ABQ, a moist flow moves up from the Gulf of Mexico, meets a cold flow down the Front Range, and the result is a pile of snow in Colorado Springs.

[familyop]

"I'm moving to Colorado..."

Welcome and hope to meet you sometime!

It's actually been much warmer than usual this winter and is just now getting more normal. It's a pretty good storm. We're not lowlanders (Denverites, Springsians,...), so we're about to go for a nice drive to the general store. Our vehicle goes like a Snowcat, and we're always outfitted to walk wherever. Later...backcountry snowboarding in the backyard (peaks). It's fun. It's dry air, and it feels far better than any of the east or coasts.

...sorry about the Springs, jammer. You've recently had a huge influx of folks from other places. ...lots of foreign tags on cars there. Hopefully, you've stayed out of that fray today.

[george76]

LOL.

I visited San Diego a long time ago. When it was cold, everyone huddled near the one wall heater.

We took turns standing next to the one heater and everyone wore many layers of clothes even inside the home.

[unkus]

Welcome to Colorado. Thank God you are conservative. It seems all we get from California are liberal waccos who ruin California and then come here to start ruining us.

[r9etb]

My kids are having the time of their life sledding today.

On a day like today, they wouldn't even have to work too hard ... just set a sail and let the wind blow 'em back to the top of the hill!

[george76]

Thanks.

I did misunderstand.

I thought you were from ABQ.

[fatnotlazy]

"Over 5,000 people lost power in La Plata County last night due to ice and snow and about half of them are libs. I bet even the libs wanted some type Global Warming last night."

****

But the libs would never admit it. :)

[unkus]

Monument Hill can be very dangerous, as you know.

[Uri’el-2012]

Thanks for the heads-up.
Here in the banana belt at 8000 feet,
we got about 6 in yesterday.
It's not snowing today.

Its just cloudy and overcast & 30 degrees

[george76]

Thanks for the view of the dreaded Monument Hill .

Looks like a good day to stay home ?

[fatnotlazy]

Oh and by the way, this bad weather is all Bush's fault.

[ican'tbelieveit]

This is my front walkway. I just shoveled the same amount of snow 2 hours ago.

[fatnotlazy]

Unless you have to go somewhere or are expecting someone, I'd advise not shoveling until the storm is over. And if you are expecting someone -- who in their right mind would be out in this weather? :)

[ican'tbelieveit]

I have an ornamental pond under this:

[george76]

The front range is going to get hit hard.

Good for the farmers, skiers, and reservoirs ?

But bad for ranchers who have cattle out.

[ican'tbelieveit]

I am going to work in about 3 hours. I am worried about my neighbors, all of them are elderly except one facing in. And the snow removers for the community have not arrived. The snow at the end of the yard reaches 2 ft, plus.

[george76]

[jan in Colorado]

They are 15,18 and 20 and I can't remember the last time the three of them {voluntarily} did something together! ;o)