Colorado residents were welcomed with a spring blizzard the morning of March 26. Denver and the metro area were hit hard with 9 inches of snow according, to the National Weather Service, and many traffic accidents, including a 30-car pile up on I-25.

Although Elbert County residents received 14 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service, the overall traffic accident number was low considering the atmosphere, said Elbert County Sheriff Bill Frangis.

“There were very little emergency calls made,” he said. “Everyone seemed to want to stay home.”

Frangis said there were some — slide off accidents on Highway 86 and one injury accident on Interstate 70. He credits the Elbert County Road and Bridge department for spending so much time plowing the roads.

“They did a very good job keeping up with the snow and keeping the drifts down,” he said.

Elizabeth Fire Protection Division Chief T.J. Steck said all emergency resources were prepared, including snowmobiles, a snow cat and two shelters but luckily none were needed during the storm. Steck said the department responded to only one accident that was weather related.

“It was really cool. People were able to leave work early and they stayed home,” he said.

“No one was taking unnecessary trips on the roads.”

Steck said this is the first time in recent history that the fire department did not respond to any stranded motorists during a blizzard. He said people were given enough early notice to prepare for the storm, which allowed the fire department to respond to regular calls rather than having to use extra resources for the storm.

“There were no power outages and that definitely lowered the issues,” he said.

Steck also said the Road and Bridge department did a great job with the roads. He said by March 27, the Elizabeth Fire protection District area was 100 percent plowed and with the added help of the sunshine, asphalt roads were clear.

“Road and Bridge worked hard to plow all the roads through out the county,” Steck said. “The dirt roads may be muddy, but they have been plowed.

“About 90 percent of people can get in and out of their homes who live outside Elizabeth and Kiowa in the sub-divisions, but it will be tough,” Frangis said.

Overall emergency action in Elbert County was uneventful. Steck said drivers were cautious and smart, staying home and enjoying the snow day inside their homes.