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Multiple Accidents On I-70, Trucks Driving Without Chains

DENVER (CBS4/AP) - Authorities are blaming snow in the Colorado mountains for several accidents and the closure of part of Interstate 70.

Interstate 70 was closed from Silverthorne to the Eisenhower-Johnson tunnels because of accidents and snow Thursday morning. It reopened just after noon.

Interstate 70 traffic snow
Interstate 70 in the high country (credit: CBS)

CBS4's Matt Kroschel said it took an hour to get from Silverthorne to the Eisenhower-Johnson tunnels. He witnessed a lot of trucks spun out and trucks driving without chains during a chain restriction that's in place. A lot of truckers say there were just caught off guard.

"This is amazing. We were just coming from California where it was like almost 80 degrees, and to come to Denver and run into the snow, it's amazing," a trucker said.

Interstate 70 traffic snow
Interstate 70 Thursday morning (credit: CBS)

The National Weather Service in Grand Junction says two inches of snow fell on Vail Pass. Forecasters say up to 7 inches of snow is expected along the foothills.

"We did have chains on, this was my first time throwing chains so I was having a little bit of trouble at first," said truck driver Larry Barfield.

Clear Creek County was on accident alert because of bad weather and numerous crashes, but no serious injuries were reported.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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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