Blizzard conditions west of Craig on Wednesday, Feb. 15, left more than a dozen motorists stranded and prompted a rescue effort by Moffat County Search and Rescue. 

The harsh weather conditions Wednesday caused overnight closures of U.S. Highway 40 west of Craig. The closure stretched to the Utah state line, and it included Colorado Highway 318 from Maybell to the Utah state line. 

Both highways reopened by Friday, Feb. 17, but the poor weather conditions and closures left multiple motorists stranded Wednesday night on Highway 318 outside of Maybell.

Using a snowcat and more, Moffat County Search and Rescue deployed on Wednesday to reach those who were stranded and collected approximately 19 people and one dog. The stranded motorists were first taken to Maybell, where temporary services were provided at the Maybell Community Center. 

According to Moffat County Sheriff’s Office, all of the stranded motorists were then transported to Craig, where overnight lodging and meals were arranged in a coordinated effort with several local entities. 

Efforts to clear and reopen the highways continued overnight. According to the sheriff’s office, all of the passenger vehicles that were abandoned on the highway were removed Thursday afternoon, and the motorists were able to resume traveling east on Highway 40.

This story is from CraigDailyPress.com.