Colorado weather: I-70 reopen in Denver, more storms forecast for Southern Colorado Monday




The Denver Fire Department rescued at least 19 people from flooded roadways Sunday evening after a storm dumped more than 2 inches of rain on parts of the city in a matter of minutes.
A stretch of I-70 in northeast Denver closed for several hours after water pooled in a newly-constructed section of the highway, stranding hundreds of drivers.
The fire department also pulled at least 8 people from another flooded underpass at 38th and Blake streets, said J.D. Chism, a DFD lieutenant.
“That included multiple children and a baby,” Chism said. “There were multiple other locations where drivers were stranded that we’re still getting reports from.”
In chest deep water - Denver firefighters rescued multiple children, including a baby, stuck in flood waters.
— Kelly Reinke (@KellyReinkeTV) August 8, 2022
Man who gave me this video (Felix Espinoza) says this was at 38th and Blake. He says family told him they were coming back from dinner, and the pizza was saved too. pic.twitter.com/qSs5pqEl9N
A spokesperson for the contractor building that section of the highway said Monday that pumps that typically keep that lowered section of I-70 clear of water did not turn on automatically when they should have.
Most flooded roadways reopened by 10 p.m., Chism said. Firefighters reported no serious injuries from the water rescues.
The sudden dump of rain was triggered by a build-up of moisture in the lower atmosphere over the Front Range, according to the National Weather Service. More than 2 inches fell in about 20 minutes in parts of Westminster, Thornton and Commerce City.
There’s a slight chance for more rain in Denver on Monday afternoon, but nowhere near as much as Sunday’s storm, said David Barjenbruch, a NWS forecaster.
“It looks pretty calm in Denver Monday,” Barjenbruch said. “A big high pressure bubble is going to keep most of us on the dry and warm side over the next few days.”
Higher terrain communities, the southern foothills and the Palmer Divide have a slightly higher chance of storms Monday afternoon.
Isolated to scattered storms possible by the late afternoon mainly over the higher terrain and south of I-70. Light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds are the main hazards. Mostly sunny and highs in the 80s elsewhere. #cowx pic.twitter.com/gKzlPQmfjR
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) August 8, 2022
Parts of Southern Colorado, including Colorado Springs and Pueblo, can also expect to see windy, rainy weather Monday afternoon.
Monday will bring another active weather day. Temps will be near to slightly below average for most. Storm and rain chances will increase this afternoon. The greatest threats from any of the stronger storms will be gusty winds between 45-55 mph, heavy rain, and lightning. #cowx pic.twitter.com/A0Kn10SW38
— NWS Pueblo (@NWSPueblo) August 8, 2022
This story was updated at 1:24 p.m. to include new information about a possible cause of the flooding on I-70 Sunday night.
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