By SCOTT HARRISON

s.harrison@krdo.com

TELLER COUNTY - Several inches of snow have fallen as the expected storm moved through the area just before noon Thursday, and conditions will continue to worsen through the evening. The area is accustomed to big snowfalls, but this will be the worst storm of the season and still creates a challenge for residents.

Traffic was fairly heavy on U.S. 24 through Woodland Park, as the lunchtime crowd and delivery vehicles tried to reach their destinations.  At noon, winds increased and visibility was 1/4-mile or less, slowing traffic to a crawl.  Some vehicles skidded into curbs and got stuck.  However, authorities reported only four traffic accidents in the county through 3:30 p.m.--one involving a snowplow--but with only minor injuries.

The county Department of Transportation will have 16 vehicles working on a full call-out until the storm ends and snow is plowed from roads.  Manager Brad Shaw said he hopes to have all major roads cleared by Friday night, and asked residents in subdivisions to be patient while waiting for secondary roads to be plowed.  Crews were out earlier Thursday spreading salt and sand to keep roads from freezing, but Shaw said no more of the material will be applied until plowing is finished.

Teller County Search & Rescue also is standing by with snowcats and snowmobiles to rescue anyone who becomes stranded by the storm.

NEWSCHANNEL 13, NEWSRADIO and krdo.com will continue to track the storm and its effect on the Teller County area.