Weather update for Wednesday November 18, 2015

The blizzard in the Plains has subsided, but much of the area is still being affected by the aftermath of the storm due to snow, very high winds, or clean-up to get roads back in shape.  A band of rain stretches from the Gulf into Canada.  The Southeastern portion of the U S today will experience heavy rains, increasing the chance of flooding.  High winds will also be an issue here.

•          Colorado is getting back to normal but chains are still required over Vail Pass on I 70 west of Denver.  US 6 over Loveland Pass which is the bypass for hazmat through Eisenhower Tunnel on I 70 is closed and hazmat will be allowed through Eisenhower Tunnel at the top of each hour only.  Colorado still has US 287 closed southbound near the Oklahoma border for snow removal and the many abandoned vehicles that need to be dealt with. 
•          Much of Wyoming is affected by high winds.  Interstate 80 between Laramie and Cheyenne due to ground blizzard conditions.  It is not snowing but 70 MPH winds are blowing and drifting the snow from yesterday.   I 80 is also closed to “Light, High Profile Vehicles” between Laramie and Rawlins due to 60 MPH gusts.  The normal bypass routes have the same restrictions in place.   Interstate 25 is closed to “Light, High Profile Vehicles” from Cheyenne north to Wheatland as winds are gusting to near 75 MPH.  Interstate 90 has the Light Trailer Advisory in place which means winds are gusting to near 55 MPH. 
•          Kansas has reopened I 70 in the Eastern third of the state but is reported to be completely snow packed, making travel is very slow.
•          Nebraska is reported to have all interstates open at this time.
•          Washington had a strong storm come onshore yesterday with wind gusts clocked at 119 MPH.  Washington has closed Stevens Pass on US 2 east of Seattle.  Many areas of the Seattle metro area are without power due to many downed trees. 
•          Oregon has I 84 closed eastbound from mile marker 17 to 64 due to trees that have been blown down blocking the interstate. 
•          Montana has chains required over Homestake Pass just east of Butte on I 90.  Winds gusting to near 60 MPH will slow travel across Montana today.
•          The southeast US from Tennessee and North Carolina then south to the Gulf will see heavy rains, gusty winds and localized flooding today.