Weather
Colorado National Guard Helps Stranded Drivers On I-25
Special SUSV vehicles are being used to help rescue Colorado's stranded drivers after the storm.
CENTENNIAL, CO – Colorado Gov. Jared Polis declared a state of emergency Wednesday during the "bomb cyclone" snow storm that wreaked havoc on Denver and the Front Range.
Who knew the storm had the name "Ulmer?"
Polis activated troops from the U.S. Army Colorado National Guard to help rescue stranded vehicles on I-25 and other Colorado highways, where some cars had been stuck for hours.
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About 50 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are responding from multiple units along the Front Range, including three small-unit support vehicle teams, a statement fro the National Guard said.
"The Colorado National Guard is ready to help our neighbors in need," U.S. Air Force. Brig. Gen. Gregory White said. "SUSVs have about 1.8 pounds per square inch of ground contact throughout the whole vehicle, making them extremely maneuverable on top of snow and a major asset during a blizzard."
Find out what's happening in Littletonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
SUSV's are unique to Colorado and are designed to "operate off road in a variety of conditions and environments," the CONG said. They are most often used to evacuate people trapped in winter storms, the agency said.
I've authorized the activation of the @CONG1860 and declared an emergency due to the storm impacting the Front Range. CO National Guard is activated for search, rescue & safety ops. @COEmergency, w/ DHSEM & @ColoradoDOT is working with local counties to prioritize resources.
— Jared Polis (@GovofCO) March 13, 2019
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