The end to the marathon snowstorm that's dumped upwards of 20 inches of snow in some parts of Castle Rock appeared to be in sight Thursday afternoon.

The winter storm warning the area has been under since midnight Tuesday was due to expire at
6 p.m. Thursday. The cleanup from the storm, however, will continue long beyond that.

Castle Rock road crews have been working around the clock since the storm began to clear the Town's streets. Adding to the difficulty of that job Thursday afternoon were strong winds, which
blew snow back onto streets that had been plowed.

And, like on Wednesday night, road conditions are expected to deteriorate this evening as temperatures drop and freeze the slush that's on the streets. Area residents are encouraged
to stay home, if possible, and to use extreme caution if driving is a must.

The Castle Rock Recreation Center was expected to maintain normal hours Thursday evening, and the Town's free bus service, commonly referred to as CATCO, to finish its normal routes. Users of the FrontRange Express commuter bus service, which runs between Colorado Springs and Denver with stops in Castle Rock, were told to expect delays of at least 30 to 50 minutes Thursday afternoon.

Because of the storm, the Trick or Treat Street costume contest, scheduled for 2 to 5 p.m. Friday at Festival Park, will be moved inside Town Hall, 100 N. Wilcox St.

Conditions on Interstate 25 near Castle Rock Thursday afternoon ranged from slushy to snowy to icy, and blowing snow was reported. Libraries throughout Douglas County are closed today, as are the Outlets at Castle Rock.

Snow is expected to continue blowing and drifting Friday, as moderate winds are anticipated. Public Works crews will work all night Thursday and into Friday to make sure every street is plowed.

A reminder that residents and businesses are asked to clear sidewalks adjacent to their property within 48 hours after a snowstorm ends. Please help neighbors who are unable to shovel, and keep in mind that snow from driveways and sidewalks should not be placed in streets. Also, please clear snow from fire hydrants near your property so rescuers easily can find them in case of an emergency.