Winter storm hits Valley, closes schools

SAN LUIS VALLEY— A heavy winter snow knocked out power in the valley, made for slushy travel conditions and closed area schools Tuesday.
Those serviced by Xcel in northern Saguache County reported that power went out around 7 a.m. but was restored by 9 a.m. in most areas.
Homes and a number of businesses, serviced by San Luis Valley Rural Electric Co-op experienced intermittent service in the morning but full service was restored by early afternoon.
However several other outlying areas remained without power overnight Tuesday as crews struggled to replace blown transformers and downed power lines.
Work also had to be performed on the main power line coming into the Valley over Poncha Pass.
The town of Center, which operates its own utility, reported late Tuesday that the roads were clear and power was restored in the town.
Mountain Valley School, Moffat School, Center, Sargent, Del Norte and other area schools were closed Tuesday. Saguache reported six inches of snow and it was still snowing at 10 a.m. in Center, which reported 8 inches of snow. About three inches of snow fell Monday in Crestone and another three inches fell on Tuesday.
Outlying areas in the foothills reported receiving a foot of snow or more. The Saguache Courthouse closed late Tuesday morning and the water transportation meeting scheduled for Tuesday evening was canceled.
The Saguache Sheriff’s Office reported numerous wrecks and fallen tree branches, which had to be cleared from the road. The Colorado State Highway Patrol also was busy attending to accidents in the Valley.
Some forecasters predicted rain and snow Tuesday evening into Wednesday.