DENVER -- TheDenverChannel is tracking closures and developments as a strong storm system hits Colorado. We'll add other information here, as we receive it.

10 p.m.

Here is a list of road closures from CDOT.

The following closures are in place:
SH 94 between Colorado Springs and Punkin Center as of 9:30 p.m.
US 24 between Colorado Springs and Limon as of 9:30 p.m.
SH 65 at Grand Mesa as of 7:45 p.m.
US 287 between Eads and Kit Carson as of 7:45 p.m.(Semi accident, US 385 is alternate route) US 160 over La Veta Pass as of 6 p.m.
I-25 between Walsenburg and Pueblo as of 4:15p.m.
I-25 between Wellington and Wyoming as of 10:15 a.m. (winds of 20-30 mph are hampering CDOT's progress to open this stretch of I-25) US 6 over Loveland Pass as of approximately 2:50 a.m.

The following chain laws are currently in effect:
SB I-25 over Raton Pass
I-25 at Monument Hill
Eastbound and westbound I-70 at Floyd Hill/Mount Vernon Canyon Eastbound and westbound I-70 at the Eisenhower Tunnel Eastbound and westbound I-70 over Vail Pass- Truckers without chains should not proceed past the Dotsero Exit 133 until the Vail Pass chain law has been lifted.
Southbound SH 9 over Hoosier Pass
US 24 over Tennessee Pass (Leadville)
US 550 over Coal Bank Pass- all vehicles must have chains, snow tires or 4WD US 550 over Molas Pass- all vehicles must have chains, snow tires or 4WD SH 139 over Douglas Pass

US 160 over Wolf Creek Pass

SH 17 over Cumbras-La Manga Passes

SH 133 McClure Pass

7:55 p.m.

All lanes of US 36 between Table Mesa and SH 121 are now open; however, tough winter driving conditions still exist. High winds are creating snow drifts on the highway and the road is snowpacked and icy.

CDOT crews will be out all night plowing and de-icing US 36, but motorists should still keep their speeds down and watch for extra build-up on the ramps.

6:15 p.m.

The Red Cross is closing all of its Denver shelters.

Fourteen people visited the shelters over the six hours they were open, half along the Rt. 36 corridor. The shelters that are closing include: Boulder, Broomfield, Douglas County, Lone Tree, and Longmont. Golden has been closed since 5 p.m.

Wellington, Monument, and Peyton are still open, and the Pikes Peak Red Cross Chapter has opened a shelter at the LaJunta Senior Center (120 East 2nd Street) as the effects of the storm move southward.

Volunteers and the Red Cross operations center are going on standby until Friday morning. For information on our Wellington shelter, please call our Northern Chapter at 970-226-5728.

For information on our Monument, Peyton, and LaJunta shelters, please call the Pikes Peak Chapter at (719) 632-3563.

6:10 p.m.

The intense snow has begun to diminish in Denver but forecasts are still predicting a chance for several more inches of snow overnight. Temperatures are dropping and Denver road crews expect that roads will ice over. Pavement surface temperatures will continue to hover just below freezing and subsurface temperatures are in the low to mid 40s.

The Denver Public Works sent this update:

Denver's heavy plows continue to be fully deployed (60-68 plows) and are applying de-icing material to city streets as needed. Our midnight shift will be in tonight to continue the effort, and we will stay deployed until snow stops falling and Denver’s main arterials are clear.
Heavy equipment (motor graders and loaders) will be deployed to critical areas when and if conditions necessitate their assistance. These resources can be especially helpful when large snow drifts occur due to high winds.
Denver Public Works thanks drivers for their caution and consideration when sharing the roadway with our heavy plows. Please remember to drive safely during these challenging weather conditions.

The Colorado State Patrol and Colorado Department of Transportation are encouraging motorist to limit their non-essential travels along the Front Range and eastern plains until the worst of this storm passes. With the deteriorating weather and road conditions CSP and CDOT are focusing their resources on helping drivers involved in crashes and those stranded along the roadways. If travel is necessary motorists should plan ahead giving themselves plenty of time to reach their destination safely.

Motorists should remember:

Slow down! Even roads that have been treated with liquid de-icers may be slippery. Motorists driving too fast for conditions remain a leading cause of crashes in inclement weather.
To carry plenty of windshield wiper fluid.
Let the snowplow drivers do their jobs by giving them extra room.
Have a scraper, snow brush, coat, hat, gloves, blanket, first aid kit, flashlight, tire chains, matches and nonperishable food in your car.
Check to see your vehicles in good condition and make sure your gas tank is full.

6 p.m.

All lanes on I-70 between Kipling and Youngfield reopened.

The National Weather Service has now downgraded the storm to a Winter Weather Advisory. At this time, US Hwy 36 remains closed in both directions from Hwy 121 to Table Mesa in Boulder, as CDOT highway operations work to clear the roads and move any abandoned vehicles. Hwy 121 Overpass from US Hwy 36 is open in both directions, but caution that the roads are still extremely icy and alternate routes are still recommended. All other roads in Broomfield are open at this time. The City and County of Broomfield remains on accident alert until further notice.

Any vehicles found abandoned on Broomfield Roadways will be towed. If you need information on a towed vehicle, please call 303-438-6400. The Broomfield Emergency Operations Center will be deactivated at 6:00 p.m. and all personnel will be released back to normal operations.

The Broomfield shelter that was opened as part of this weather emergency will be closed at 6 p.m.

5:50 p.m.

US 50 Monarch Pass closed for avalanche control.

5:45 p.m.

Wheat Ridge police have re-opened all sections of Interstate 70 and CO-58 that were closed today for the last several hours. The roads have been cleared but remain slick in spots. Travel on the interstate is still not advised.

4:25 p.m.

From CDOT, The following closures are in place:

I-25 between Walsenburg and Pueblo as of 4:15 p.m.

US 50 between Pueblo and Canyon City as of 4:15 p.m.

US 6 over Loveland Pass as of approximately 2:50 a.m.

I-25 between Wellington and Wyoming as of 10:15 a.m.

US 85 between Ault and Wyoming as of 11 a.m.

Now Open: Eastbound I-70 between Tower Road and Kansas. U.S. 285 between Fairplay and Kenosha Pass. Eastbound U.S. 36 between Table Mesa Drive and State Highway 121 (Wadsworth Blvd.)

4:06 p.m.

Interstate 70 is closed from Tower Road to Kansas due to blizzard conditions.

4:04 p.m.

Eastbound U.S. 36 open. Westbound still closed from Wadsworth to Table Mesa.

3:20 p.m.

EB I-70 has reopened, Airpark to Deer Trail.

3:17 p.m.

Due to the blizzard, the City and County of Broomfield has opened an Emergency Shelter for stranded motorists or other individuals caught out in the storm, that are unable to make it home. The shelter will be housed at the Broomfield Community Center, located at 280 Lamar Street. This is approximately 2 blocks north of W. 120th Ave. at Lamar St. (between Sheridan and Main Street). Anyone stranded and needing assistance to get to the shelter, please contact Broomfield Police Department at 303-438-6400. If you need information about whether a family member may be at the shelter, please call 303-464-5526.

3:01 p.m.

The Sheridan School District will be closed Friday.

2:58 p.m.

U.S. Highway 287 has reopened between Ted's Place and the Wyoming border.

2:40 p.m.

Wheat Ridge Police are working diligently to clear the highway of the numerous stranded vehicles on the closed portion of I-70 in Wheat Ridge.

Officials will not reopen east bound CO 58, or the stretch of highway between east bound I-70 at W. 32nd Ave. and westbound I-70 at Ward Road, until CDOT has an opportunity to plow the roadway. That time frame is currently unknown.

Wheat Ridge Police have established a snow hotline answer questions about snow and road conditions in Wheat Ridge ONLY. The hotline number is 303-234-5940.

2:33 p.m.

Weather Closure Update from University of Colorado Hospital. University of Colorado Hospital Outpatient Clinics have closed for the day. On Friday, all UCH Outpatient Clinics are expected to open at 10 am. The BMT Infusion Center and Cancer Center Infusion Center are expected to open at 9:00 a.m., Friday. We encourage patients to call their doctor's office to verify times before driving to their appointments. In an emergency, call 911.

2:04 p.m.

Gov. Bill Ritter has issued a disaster declaration due to today’s blizzard, activating the National Guard to assist with rescue operations and authorizing up to $200,000 in state funds for emergency assistance.

"Our first and foremost concern is the health, safety and welfare of Colorado’s citizens," Ritter said. "We have activated the State Emergency Operations Center to monitor conditions, coordinate the state’s resources and respond as needed. We are also asking residents to limit their travel and encourage employers to consider releasing employees in a phased manner to alleviate heavy traffic this afternoon."
Beginning early on the morning of March 26, 2009, a blizzard hit the State and it is predicted to cover much of Colorado before it dissipates. 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. Moreover, current high winds and rain turning to snow and ice have impacted traffic safety, including causing the closure of U.S. Highway 36 between Westminster and Boulder. The blizzard has already stranded motorists who are now in need of rescue, and it is expected that this need for emergency assistance will only grow as the full force of the blizzard moves across the State.
As Governor, I am responsible for meeting the dangers to the state and people presented by disasters. The Colorado Disaster Emergency Act (hereinafter the “Act”), defines a disaster as “the occurrence or imminent threat of widespread or severe damages, injury or loss of life or property resulting from any natural cause or cause of human origin, including but not limited to . . . storm.” C.R.S. § 24-32-2103(1.5). As detailed in this Order, this snowstorm poses an imminent danger to human life and property and, therefore, constitutes a disaster for the purposes of the Act.
In response to this disaster, I am declaring a statewide disaster emergency and activating certain elements of the Colorado National Guard to assist with the disaster emergency response effort. Specifically, I authorize the activation of National Guard troops, and the utilization of state emergency personnel, emergency equipment, and the state’s disaster emergency fund.
State emergency equipment and personnel will be available to rescue stranded motorists, transport emergency materials to locations such as shelters and the airport, clear roadways for emergency vehicles and stranded motorists, and respond to individual emergency situations. These efforts are necessary to adequately prepare to respond to emergency situations caused by the blizzard.

1:47 p.m.

Interstate 25 closed through Lone Tree, exits 190 to 193.

1:03 p.m.

Interstate 70 closed through Wheat Ridge in both directions. From Wheat Ridge Police: "We have had to close the highway again. As drivers continue to try to use I-70 we will continue to open and close the highway to clear the road of vehicles."

12:55 p.m.

Denver International Airport is open. Several airlines have proactively canceled a large number of flights scheduled for later in the day in anticipation of a significant spring snowstorm that is making its way toward the airport. Light snow is falling at DIA, with only an inch or so on the ground at noon. But high winds are blowing the snow around, greatly reducing visibility. Winter-driving conditions exist on Peña Boulevard, and bridges and overpasses are beginning to ice over. Motorists are advised to use extreme caution. Snow crews are fully mobilized, and 300 pieces of equipment are in use to clear snow from landside roadways and the airfield.

Travelers are urged to keep in close contact with their airlines to make sure their flights remain on the schedule. Travelers whose flights are confirmed are also advised to arrive at the airport two hours before departure. Arriving any earlier creates longer lines and creates more congestion.

12:45 p.m.

Two Red Cross shelters have now been open.

Southwest Weld County (by I-25) Weld County Substation 4209 Weld County Road 24 ½ Longmont, Colo.

Lone Tree (by I-25) Lone Tree Recreation Center 10249 Ridgegate Circle Littleton, CO

An additional evacuation point for stranded travelers is currently being established in Golden for travelers along Interstate70. Should people need to stay the night, it will turn into a shelter. That evacuation point will be at:

Golden High School 701 24th Street Golden, Colo.

12:23 p.m.

EB I-70 shut down Sheridan to Federal.

12:02 p.m.

Chains required on all commercial vehicles on both directions of I-70 at Floyd Hill (MM 244 to MM 259).

12:01 p.m.

The City of Cherry Hills Village will be closed due to weather starting at noon today. We are unsure at this time whether or not we will be closed on Friday as well.

11:50 a..m.

The State Emergency Operations Center was activated at 6:30 a.m. in anticipation of a severe snowstorm. The Department of Local Affairs¿ Division of Emergency Management is monitoring the situation and is discouraging travel. Employers are asked to consider a phased release of employees as inclement weather is expected statewide between 2pm-8pm.

11:31 a.m.

Steve Bartlett in Westminster reports, "The wind has just hit Westminster here in the area of 74th and Federal. I was looking out the front window and all of a sudden the house across the street disappeared!."

11:22 a.m.

Highway 36 (Boulder Turnpike) is closed in both directions between Wadsworth Blvd. and Table Mesa due to multiple accidents and adverse weather.

Due to the inclement weather, the City and County of Broomfield has closed several roads and primary arteries around the city. At this time, westbound U.S. Highway 36 at 121, as well as the Hwy 121 Overpass (Wadsworth Blvd) both north and southbound has been closed. Traffic is being diverted to alternate routes. In addition the National Weather Service reports that high winds are expected and heavy snow accumulation will make roads impassable.

11:00 a.m.

Our reporter at WB I-70 at the Highway 58 ramp says there's a big pile-up on the ramp and it is completely blocked. Additionally, she has not seen a single vehicle on WB I-70 at her location.

From Wheat Ridge Police: Wheat Ridge Police were able to clear the accidents on westbound I-70 past Ward Road. The highway has re-opened. It is important to advise travelers that I-70 is very slick and there are multiple vehicles stuck in the freeway lanes and on the shoulders in both directions. Travelers are encouraged to avoid traveling on I-70. In addition, Kipling Street and Wadsworth Blvd., in both directions, have multiple vehicles stalled and stuck in the snow, particularly on the hills between W. 32nd Ave. and W. 52nd Ave. Please avoid these areas as well, if possible.

10:54 a.m.

All City of Golden offices will close at 12 p.m., due to deteriorating weather conditions. City offices are expected to reopen on Friday, March 27.

Golden Municipal Court has canceled its 2:30 p.m. juvenile court docket and is making an effort to contact anyone affected by the cancellation. Anyone who has questions or needs additional information about rescheduling a case can contact the court at 303-384-8006 when the offices reopen.

The Golden Community Center will close at 1 p.m. on March 26 and is expected to reopen on Friday, March 27 at 8 a.m., weather permitting. All youth, fitness and pottery classes have been cancelled.

Please monitor the city website, www.cityofgolden.net, for updates on cancellations and closures.

10:51 a.m.

Sheridan Municipal Court has been canceled for Thursday night.

10:45 a.m.

From the American Transplant Foundation: the Team Transplant Event at the Denver Athletic Club has been canceled.

10:30 a.m.

The Wheat Ridge Police Department has closed westbound Interstate 70 at Ward Road due to multiple accidents.

10:24 a.m.

Highway Closures: Interstate 25 from Wellington to Wyoming and U.S. Highway 287 from Ted's Place To Wyoming.

9:58 a.m.

Eastbound Interstate 70 has reopened at Glenwood Springs, going through Glenwood Canyon. It was closed earlier due to weather-related accidents.

9:54 a.m. The City of Thornton’s Ward 3 meeting with City Councilmembers is cancelled due to the poor weather conditions. The meeting will be rescheduled once an alternate date has been identified.

8:59 a.m.

All Jefferson County Schools’ activities and events scheduled for Thursday, March 26 are cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.

8:58 a.m.

The Business After Hours event scheduled from 4:30pm – 7pm at the Aloft Hotel hosted by the Aurora Chamber of Commerce has been canceled due to weather.

8:48 a.m.

A semi-truck, two RTD buses and several cars are stuck on the incline up the mesa coming out of Boulder on U.S. Highay 36. Traffic is very backed up.

The Colo Railroad Museum is closed for the day due to weather.

8:33 a.m. The city of Boulder is on accident alert.

8:15 a.m.

United Airlines, Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines have begun cancelling flights after 11 a.m., according to the DIA Web site. Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.

8:07 a.m.

Chain restriction issued for commercial vehicles on westbound Interstate 70 in Mount Vernon Canyon (MM 259 to 244). Also eastbound I-70 at Floyd Hill (MM 259 - 244).

7:52 a.m.

Chain restriction on commercial vehicles, eastbound Interstate 70 at Eisenhower Tunnel.

7:35 a.m.

The City and County of Broomfield is on Accident Alert until further notice. That means if you get into a minor fender bender, with not injuries, just exchange information and move on.

7:28 a.m.

CDOT closes eastbound Interstate 70 through Glenwood Canyon due to multiple accidents. No alternate route suggested. No estimate on re-opening.

6:30 a.m.

Numerous school districts have already closed for the day, heeding the blizzard warning issued by the National Weather Service, discouraging travel.

5:56 a.m.

Jeffco issues the following clarification on its system-wide closure:

This is an update to clarify to Jeffco employees. Unless they are essential district personnel they are asked to stay home today. All non-essential employees do not report to work today at Jeffco Public Schools.

Due to the impending weather forecasts by Denver's weather experts, the officials of Jeffco Public Schools have decided to close schools for Thursday, March 26.

While weather conditions this morning are mild, the worry is that severe weather will roll into Jefferson County leaving the district scrambling to ensure students get home safely in extreme weather conditions.

We apologize to our community for any inconvenience in their schedules and accommodating their children who will now have to stay at home. Our hope is to ease the worry of our parents and also ensure the safety of their children.