HUGO, Colo. — A small town in Colorado’s Eastern Plains had a huge impact on drivers who got stranded in Friday’s snowstorm.

On Friday afternoon, 10 travelers found not only a place to rest, but also a welcoming place to find hot food, water and companionship at the Hugo United Methodist Churchlocated at 126 5th street in Hugo.

After a few days of snow, totals in eastern Elbert County and Lincoln County will likely exceed 3 feet, according to the National Weather Service. Blowing and drifting snow is expected overnight Saturday morning. Hugo, as well as nearby Limon, are both under a multi-county winter storm warning. The warning expires at 5 a.m. Saturday.

“Luckily we have the support of the local community, so they helped out and brought supplies and food for everyone,” said Piete Lopo, pastor of Hugo United Methodist Church.

Some travelers are new arrivals, while others have been there since Wednesday evening, he explained.

“We probably expect to have a few more tonight,” he added. “We are limited on beds, but we have blankets and places for people to lay down and rest. Everyone worked together to make room for everyone.”

Denver7 spoke with some of the new arrivals over Zoom Friday afternoon.

Ashley Vargas was heading to Texas to visit her sister when she got stuck in the snow – three times. Each time, it took them hours to escape. Pastor Pete “helped us a lot” in a stressful and scary situation, she said.

“He gave us a place to stay, food, shelter, a place to stay warm,” she said, adding that she hopes to be able to hit the road again another day.

Ashten Nicolas was traveling with her family – all from Illinois – to Colorado Springs for her niece’s birthday. Then the snow stuck their car about five or six miles from the church.

“A police officer actually helped us get out and he recommended this place to us,” he said.

Nicolas said his sister tried to drive a truck to pick them up and continue to Colorado Springs, but she found herself in the same situation and got stuck in the snow.

“That gives you an idea of ​​how difficult it is,” Nicolas said. “Given the situation, I think we’re all very lucky right now.”

Over the past four to five days, Abelardo Castro said he felt like he had been through hell. On Friday morning, while trying to drive to San Antonio, Texas, he was going 10 mph and his truck overturned, he said. Fortunately, he was not injured.

“I honestly still can’t believe this happened to me,” he said.

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The entire group said that while they were grateful for the hospitality shown by Hugo, they were worried about how – and when – they would be able to continue on their way or return home.

Greg Tacha, city manager of Limon, which is about 15 miles from Hugo, spoke with Denver7 via Zoom from his office. He said he, along with Limon’s police department, road department and ambulance, were the only city employees working.

“We have (otherwise) closed our doors simply because it is not safe for individuals to be on the roads,” he said.

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When he woke up Friday morning, there was about 20 to 22 inches of snow on the ground. At the end of the day, he said he expects another 10 to 15 inches.

“Tuesday or Wednesday, I knew we were going to have snow, but as the storms increased, I realized it was a lot more than we expected,” Tacha said.

Although he said he is not worried about local residents who are hunkering down, he is concerned about stranded travelers who are unfamiliar with the area.

“It’s better to stay with your vehicle or stay in a parking lot rather than trying to drive across town and get stuck somewhere else,” he advised. “…We’re getting a lot of calls from stranded travelers. We have a senior center open for stranded motorists. The Methodist Church has been open, so that’s where stranded motorists can go. It looks like that our motels, for the most part, are almost full. Our water department has driven a few people to a motel and their car is stuck elsewhere in town, just to get them safely to a location.

People who tried to drive on residential streets found themselves stuck in the snow and “causing even more damage to our crews trying to clear the snow,” Tacha said. All roads entering and exiting Limon are currently closed to the public. The National Guard is working on site to provide assistance.

With several more inches of snow expected Friday, Tacha said he remains confident in the city’s ability to overcome each challenge.

“That’s what we do in rural Colorado,” he said. “You find a way to make things work and you take care of it.”