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Winter storm catches motorists by surprise 
 3/2/08
One day after record-breaking high temps a winter storm hit much of Coloado Sunday with icy roads and white-out conditions creating big problems for motorists.

Authorities said the weather contributed to some road closures and numerous accidents including a fatal crash in Douglas County Sunday morning. 

Colorado State Patrol Trooper Rebecca Goffena began her shift in northern El Paso County about 3pm.

She told KZNT it was tough to deal with conditions.   Goffena said, "Roads were already snow-covered and starting to get snow-packed.    Even thought CDOT was out and plowing, it just seemed like the roads were kind of getting a little more icy before they could control them.” 

Goffena said their biggest problem was cars sliding off the road.    She said, "People just losing control and kind of going into the median or onto the shoulder.    There was no real damage to their vehicles.    They would just get stuck." 

Another problem was too many motorists driving without  headlights on when visibility was so poor.

Goffena added that having 4-wheel drive is not an advantage on icy roads.

Forecasters say it should be a whole lot better Monday in the Springs area with mostly sunny skies and a high about 39.

The city of Colorado Springs is no longer on accident alert status, according to the Colorado Springs Police.

For complete storm information from the National Weather Service CLICK HERE.

For road conditions call 1-877-315-ROAD or vist www.cotrip.org .

For closures or delays visit www.rockyinfo.net .