The Rocky Mountain Collegian

Issue date: 3/26/09 Section: News

After Governor Bill Ritter issued a disaster declaration Thursday in response to Colorado blizzard conditions, the National Weather Service reported that the peak of the storm passed Fort Collins late Thursday afternoon but snow fall is expected to subside throughout the evening.

The Blizzard Warning, issued by the National Weather Service for Colorado early Thursday morning, was changed to a Winter Weather Advisory at 4:46 p.m.

The governor issued the declaration, activating the National Guard to assist in rescue operations and authorizing up to $200,000 in state funds for emergency assistance.

Ritter's call follows a Blizzard Warning issued by the National Weather Service for Colorado early Thursday morning that closed CSU and cancelled classes for the first time since March 20, 2003.

"Our first and foremost concern is the health, safety and welfare of Colorado's citizens," Ritter said in a statement. "We have activated the State Emergency Operations Center to monitor conditions, coordinate the state's resources and respond as needed."

Ritter asked that residents limit their travel and encouraged employers to release employees early.

According to the governor's statement, "It is predicted that this blizzard will drop between one and two feet of snow in communities along the Front Range and in excess of three feet of snow in the foothills, mountains, and southwest part of the State."

CSU also closed it doors at noon on Thursday, cancelling classes and shutting down all its office operations.

Previously, CSU closed on Dec. 20, 2007 due to several storms, but classes were not cancelled because class wasn't in session and on March 20, 2003, when it canceled classes after 2 p.m.

Continued...

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