Denver, CO – Emergency officials across Colorado are urging residents to begin preparing today for potential winter hazards, including freezing rain that can occasionally impact the Front Range and Eastern Plains. While snow is more common, the National Weather Service (NWS) warns that freezing rain can create extremely dangerous conditions when warm air overruns shallow cold air trapped near the surface.
According to NOAA, even light ice accumulation can snap weak branches, damage powerlines, and create hazardous travel along major Front Range corridors such as I-25, I-70, C-470, and Highway 36. These risks increase when temperatures swing rapidly, which is common during winter warm-ups and downslope wind events. With more pattern shifts expected this season, officials say today is the best time to begin winter readiness.
According to the National Weather Service, residents should start by trimming weak or damaged branches around homes, garages, and walkways. These limbs often fall first when ice begins to accumulate, even in small amounts. NOAA also recommends keeping vehicle windshield wipers lowered and covered, warning that raised wipers can freeze to the glass and snap.
Emergency managers advise keeping at least a week’s supply of non-perishable food, bottled water, and essential prescriptions. Ice storms can cause outages and make road conditions dangerous not only in Denver, but also across Castle Rock, Greeley, Fort Collins, and the Eastern Plains. Officials further recommend avoiding parking vehicles beneath trees, where ice-loaded limbs may fall without warning.
To prepare for potential outages, residents should fully charge phones, flashlights, power banks, and essential devices today. Homeowners using generators are encouraged to safely store extra gasoline and conduct a test run ahead of winter weather. Stocking rock salt or ice melt can also help prevent slip hazards around porches, driveways, and sidewalks.
“Even occasional ice storms can disrupt daily life across Colorado,” the NWS said. “Preparing today is the best way to stay safe this winter.”
