Storm makes way across state, Academy officials call for late-reporting Dec. 15 Published Dec. 14, 2015 By Ray Bowden U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for El Paso County at 3:10 p.m. Dec. 14 due to a strong Pacific storm making its way across the state that's expected to bring heavy snow, high winds and icy roads to the region. The NWS will keep the warning in place until noon, Dec. 15, and predicts that eight to 12 inches of snow will blanket the Air Force Academy and much of El Paso County. Along with heavy snow, Air Force Academy staff and their families living on and off base can expect winds from the southwest gusting upwards of 40 mph, according to the NWS. The weather conditions will make traveling on roads hazardous due to the combination of snow, high winds, reduced visibility and ice covered roads. Non-mission-essential personnel at the Academy have been instructed not to arrive at their duty stations before 9:30 a.m. Dec. 15, to allow snow removal crews to clear the roads. Academic classes for cadets are scheduled to start on time and the Academy's visitor cordon is scheduled to open at 11 a.m., Dec. 15. The Child Development Center will open at normal time for mission-essential personnel. Airmen have been asked to contact their supervisors with individual risk management decisions and questions. Visit www.weather.gov and the Academy's Facebook page for more information.