Tomorrow is the last official day of winter and Mother Nature is set to ensure the season goes out like a lion. A major winter storm will arrive over Colorado tonight and bring bitter cold and significant snowfall to Denver.
The storm system we have been watching all week has begun to move down from the Pacific Northwest and will be joined with a cold front from the north. A scattered mix of rain and snow will kick things off to the north this evening before moving south along the Front Range. That will then transition to all snow after midnight at which point snowfall rates will begin to pick up.
Tomorrow’s rush hours are sure to become a miserable mess for commuters and drivers should exercise caution. Heavy snow is likely during the early morning hours and it will last throughout the daytime.
Snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches is possible with the highest amounts to the west. Most of the Denver metro area will be looking at 5 to 9 inches total accumulation between tonight and Saturday morning. See the forecast snow total map below.
Winds will be strong with gusts to 30 mph being forecast. Coupled with the significant snowfall that is expected, blowing and drifting snow will limit visibility in places, particularly open areas.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning that will be in effect from midnight tonight through midnight Friday night. The service said that residents should be prepared for ‘harsh winter weather conditions.’
Remember that a Winter Storm Warning means hazardous winter weather conditions are imminent or highly likely. Significant snow accumulations are occurring or expected. This will make travel very hazardous.
Highways and roadways in the state is likely to be impacted by this storm. I-25 north to Wyoming, 287 to Wyoming, and even I-70 and I-76 heading out of Denver may experience closures.
At Denver International Airport, no airlines have announced flight cancellations yet but air travelers will want to be sure to check with their airlines. Click here to view our Airport and Flight Status page.
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