On Phillips County roads, watch the sky before a long drive

One of the good things about driving in Phillips County is that you can see a long way. One of the things to respect is that you can see a storm coming from a long way off too.

This is severe-weather country in the warmer months. The National Weather Service tracks thunderstorms across the northeastern plains that can bring large hail, strong straight-line wind, heavy rain, and, in some years, tornadoes. On long, straight county roads with few places to pull over, a fast storm can drop visibility, push a tall vehicle around, or coat the pavement with hail in minutes. Wind on its own, common out here, can make towing a trailer or driving a high-profile vehicle harder than a calm day suggests.

Gravel and dirt county roads add another wrinkle. Heavy rain can turn them soft or wash out a low crossing, and they may not be plowed quickly after a winter storm. The safest move in a sudden storm is often to slow down and wait it out rather than push through.

Before a longer trip, check the forecast and watch the western sky. For current conditions and any highway closures, use the National Weather Service and Colorado’s COtrip road service.