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Snow Causes DIA Flight Cancellations, Traffic Problems

DENVER (CBS4) — The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings in southwest Colorado and hazardous weather watches elsewhere as light snow moved across the state on Thursday.

The morning rush hour in Denver was significantly slowed as road conditions were slick and icy in spots.

The following YouReport photo from JoLynn Dillion shows one of many fender benders out on the roads in the Denver metro area on Thursday (this one at South Oneida Street and Colorado Avenue):

Crash
(credit: JoLynn Dillion)

Denver International Airport officials say about 140 pieces of snow removal equipment are working on the airfield to prevent snow from accumulating on runways, taxiways and ramps as airlines canceled 18 flights. The airport handles about 1,650 flights a day.

"Airlines are deicing aircraft so passengers should expect to spend a little bit longer on the plane before departing," DIA officials wrote.

The Colorado Department of Transportation ordered tire chain laws on major mountain passes, and Interstate 70 was closed for a short time late Thursday morning over Vail Pass. A closure of the eastbound lanes was also in effect at 11 a.m. from Silverthorne to Georgetown.

A handful of Colorado schools were on delayed starts but none were closed.

Travel Tips for Passengers From DIA

- Please remind travelers to check their flight status before heading out to the airport with their airline or on www.flydenver.com. While on the website travelers may also check on available parking at the airport.
- Drive with caution and allow extra time when heading to the airport.
- A good rule of thumb is to be inside the airport two hours prior to flight departure time. This should allow for plenty of time to navigate flight check-in, security lines and travel to the gate
- DIA recommends passengers download the free FlySmart travel app for the Blackberry, iPhone and Android. FlySmart Airport is the only travel app that features content downloaded directly from www.flydenver.com.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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