SUNRISE: Don't hit the roads unless you must

Highways 24 and 94 in eastern El Paso County were closed early today because whiteout conditions and sheets of ice made them treacherous for plow drivers to operate.

The blizzard that rolled in Thursday continued to pound places throughout the Pikes Peak region with high winds and snow overnight, and the wind chill this morning was -7 degrees. Click here for the latest reports from Gazette reporters and photographers throughout the day.

In eastern El Paso County, the whiteout conditions and an "inch or two" of ice on the roads made it too dangerous and difficult for snowplows to work on those roads, said El Paso County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Lt. Lari Sevene. A few people were being rescued from their cars before dawn Friday, she said.

Snow was still blowing in Monument at 7 a.m., driven by swift gusts that sent the powder toward Colorado Springs. Drifts are up to 4 feet deep.

Roads, especially side streets, are covered in a layer of ice beneath the powder. Westchester Drive, normally busy with commuters, is oddly empty.

The Colorado Springs Police Department said people were mostly staying in and not venturing onto the roads- something they suggested people should continue to do today with the icy roads.

Just how much snow and wind fell varied throughout the area. In Woodland Park today, residents were waking up to about six inches of snow, but little wind. In northeast Colorado Springs, the wind howled but snow remained light.

The storm didn't deter at least one alleged criminal, who, according to the Colorado Springs police blotter, stole a car and attempted to run from the police about 11:45 p.m. Thursday. His footprints in the snow helped lead to his capture. Paul Anthony Juliano was arrested on multiple charges.

Check gazette.com throughout the day for updates on road and weather conditions.

Check "Breaking News" for a list of school, business, government and recreational closures.

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