Longmont on Monday afternoon warned residents to brace for the unseasonable winter storm expected to hit the area Monday night with the possibility of snow, rain and freezing temperatures Tuesday and Wednesday.
The National Weather Service forecast calls for temperatures to drop to 32 overnight and not climb above 36 degrees on Tuesday. Moisture is forecast to move in as rain and turn to snow Tuesday morning. Snow and rain are expected to last through the day Tuesday before turning strictly to snow about 4 p.m., according to NWS. The overnight low is predicted to fall to 29 degrees overnight Tuesday.
Because of the sudden drop from unseasonably warm highs Sunday and Monday — 97 and 102 degrees, respectively, according to the NWS — the city on Monday advised residents how they could protect homes and landscapes from freeze damage. Tips it included in a news release included:
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Disconnect outdoor hoses until cold weather passes. Prepare outdoor plants and sprinkler systems. Bring pets inside.
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Cover above-ground backflow devices with an old jacket, towel or other insulating material and cover with a plastic bag to prevent freezing. If possible, shut off water to the device to prevent leakage in case of a crack.
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Move cars out from under thick tree cover and prepare for possible power outages. Heavy and slushy precipitation could result in broken tree limbs and downed power lines. Be aware of broken limbs throughout the week in case of high-speed winds.
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Monitor road conditions when travel is necessary. Roads are expected to be wet, and bridges icy. City crews will be deployed to fight icy streets and snow accumulation as needed. Prepare, use caution and avoid or limit travel when conditions are hazardous.
The city in the release stated it is prepared to launch snow and ice control operations as road conditions deteriorate. Crews will be deployed to fight icy streets and snow accumulation as needed, according to the release. Not every street is a snow route, and the city advised residents to find the snow route nearest them to plan their trips. Designated snow routes can be viewed here.
For road condition reports, click here.
Most residents are required to remove snow and ice from public sidewalks adjacent to their properties within 24 hours of a storm’s end. The city’s snow removal requirements can be viewed here.
