The season's first snowflakes fell Monday in Castle Rock, surprising and delighting many as they fell to the ground, where they quickly melted.
A more serious dose of snow could be on its way tonight and tomorrow - Castle Rock is under a winter weather advisory from midnight Tuesday to 6 p.m. Wednesday - and the Town is getting ready.
All the Town's snow plows and sand trucks are ready to roll out, and crews are prepared to work overnight, if needed, to keep the streets clear for the Wednesday morning commute. Extra staff also is on standby, ready to supplement the standard snow-removal crews if necessary.
The precipitation is expected to begin as rain this evening and turn over to snow overnight.
Snowfall forecast for the Castle Rock area by Wednesday afternoon varies from a trace of snow up to 10 inches, depending on elevation and location. The highest snow totals are expected above 6,500 feet and in southern Douglas and southwest Elbert counties.
Being that it's early fall and still relatively warm, Castle Rock's snow crews expect the snow to melt on pavement. Grassy areas could see accumulations, and bridges could become slick.
The National Weather Service cautioned that roads in the higher foothills, over mountain passes and along Monument Hill could become snow-packed. In lower elevations, visibilities could be limited by heavy snowfall and splash back from standing water, the Weather Service says.
Remember to slow down and leave extra following room when driving in winter weather. Also, make sure to remove ice and snow from vehicle windows, mirrors and lights and to wear your seat belt. Statewide road condition information is available from cotrip.org.
Also, remember that property owners in Town are required to shovel snow from the sidewalks around their homes and businesses within 48 hours after a snowstorm if 2 or more inches have accumulated. Also, in higher accumulations, be sure to clear snow from fire hydrants.
The Town updates its Web site, CRgov.com, and its Facebook (facebook.com/crgov) and Twitter (twitter.com/crgov) pages frequently during snow events. Check them for the latest information, and stay safe and warm.