Colorado Weather, Thornton Weather, Weather History

This week in Denver weather history – October 26 to November 1

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This week in Denver weather history - October 26 to November 1.
This week in Denver weather history - October 26 to November 1.

Lots of interesting stuff in this look back at Denver weather history for the week of October 26th to November 1st.  Lots of snow including some major storms and the seemingly ever present wind are on this look into history. 

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DENVER CO
645 PM MDT SAT OCT 25 2008

…THIS WEEK IN METRO DENVER WEATHER HISTORY…

25-26 IN 1996…4 TO 6 INCHES OF SNOW FELL IN THE FOOTHILLS WEST OF
        DENVER.  ONLY 1.5 INCHES OF SNOWFALL WERE MEASURED AT THE
        SITE OF THE FORMER STAPLETON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ON THE
        26TH.  THIS WAS THE ONLY MEASURABLE SNOW OF THE MONTH AT
        THE SITE.  THE SNOWFALL PRODUCED ICY AND SNOWPACKED
        HIGHWAYS…WHICH RESULTED IN A 50-TO 60-CAR PILEUP ON I-25
        SOUTH OF METRO DENVER.  WEST WINDS GUSTED TO 33 MPH AT
        DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
      IN 2006…A WINTER STORM BROUGHT HEAVY SNOWFALL TO METRO
        DENVER AND THE EASTERN FOOTHILLS.  TOTAL SNOWFALL RANGED
        FROM 12 TO 22 INCHES OVER THE HIGHER TERRAIN AND 6 TO 12
        INCHES ACROSS METRO DENVER.  NORTHERLY WINDS AT SUSTAINED
        SPEEDS OF 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS AS HIGH AS 47 MPH AT
        DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WHIPPED THE SNOW INTO DRIFTS
        3 TO 4 FEET DEEP.  MANY TREE LIMBS SNAPPED UNDER THE WEIGHT
        OF THE HEAVY…WET SNOW WHICH ALSO DOWNED POWER LINES…
        LEAVING THOUSANDS OF RESIDENTS WITHOUT POWER.  STORM TOTAL
        SNOWFALL INCLUDED:  25 INCHES NEAR ASPEN SPRINGS…CONIFER…
        AND EVERGREEN; 23.5 INCHES NEAR ROLLINSVILLE; 23 INCHES IN
        IDAHO SPRINGS; 22.5 INCHES NEAR BLACKHAWK; 21.5 INCHES NEAR
        BAILEY; 19 INCHES NEAR BERGEN PARK; 18 INCHES NEAR ASPEN
        SPRINGS…GENESEE…AND JAMESTOWN; 17 INCHES SOUTHWEST OF
        BOULDER; 16 INCHES IN EVERGREEN; AND 15 INCHES NEAR
        GEORGETOWN AND PERRY PARK.  SNOWFALL TOTALED 5.3 INCHES
        IN THE DENVER STAPLETON AREA.  AT DENVER INTERNATIONAL
        AIPORT…RAIN…INCLUDING A THUNDERSTORM…CHANGED TO SNOW
        ON THE EVENING OF THE 25TH AFTER A HIGH TEMPERATURE OF
        70 DEGREES.
Continue reading This week in Denver weather history – October 26 to November 1 →

Colorado Weather, Thornton Weather, Weather Education

Winter Weather Preparedness Week recap

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Winter Weather Preparedness Week recap.
Winter Weather Preparedness Week recap.

As we have talked about this week, winter weather can be dangerous and downright deadly.  However, being prepared helps to ensure that you and your family remain safe when the snow starts to fly or other winter weather conditions occur.  It is very easy to ignore the dangers of weather – no matter the season – and find yourself saying, “I wish I would have….” Now is the time to think about how you can prepare for these conditions, before it is too late and you find yourself wishing you had. 

In this sixth and final message in a series on Winter Weather Preparedness from the National Weather Service, ThorntonWeather.com reviews the topics we covered this week and directs you to the previous articles and other resources to help you get ready.

Part 1 Winter travel safety
Part 2 Watches…warnings…and advisories
Part 3 High winds
Part 4 Wind chill temperatures and hypothermia
Part 5  Avalanche safety
Review  Winter Weather Preparedness Week review

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PUEBLO CO
600 AM MDT SAT OCT 25 2008

Enjoy the great outdoors in Colorado this winter season, but watch the weather.

The National Weather Service issues a variety of winter weather, outlooks, watches, warnings, and advisories, covered earlier during this Winter Weather Preparedness Week.  Safety tips were also passed along.

An example of severe winter weather occurred in March 2003 across the eastern foothills, adjacent plains, and mountains. Snowfall amounts ranged from 80 to 110 inches, along with strong winds in some areas.  The Denver metro area averaged nearly three feet of snow.  The storm was well forecast, and people, for the most part, heeded the warnings, so casualties and impacts were mitigated.

Continue reading Winter Weather Preparedness Week recap →

Thornton Weather

It’s ThorntonWeather.com’s birthday!

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It’s ThorntonWeather.com’s second birthday!  It was two years ago today that ThorntonWeather.com first went online and live on the Internet.  A lot has changed since then and every day more and more residents visit our site.  Over the last three months we have averaged over 7,000 visits to our site which is absolutely astonishing.  We have happy that so many folks are taking advantage of getting their live, local Thornton weather from us! 

We are always adding new features to enhance the amount of information available and welcome any coments you might have.  Feel free to drop us a note or leave us a comment below and let us know what you think!

Colorado Weather, Thornton Weather, Weather Education

Avalanche safety – Be prepared or die

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Avalanches in Colorado claim an average of six lives per year. Be prepared!
Avalanches in Colorado claim an average of six lives per year. Be prepared!

As snow starts to fall, many Coloradoans and out of state visitors will take advantage of it and head to the mountains for a variety of outdoor activities.  Whether skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking, anyone who spends time outdoors in the high country needs to be aware of the danger avalanches present.  On average six people die in Colorado every year from avalanches and being prepared is an essential survival skill. 

In this fifth in a series on Winter Weather Preparedness from the National Weather Service, ThorntonWeather.com helps you understand avalanches, where they occur, how to protect yourself and where to go for more information.

Part 1 Winter travel safety
Part 2 Watches…warnings…and advisories
Part 3 High winds
Part 4 Wind chill temperatures and hypothermia
Part 5  Avalanche safety
Review  Winter Weather Preparedness Week review

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DENVER CO
600 AM MDT FRI OCT 24 2008

Avalanches – Are you prepared?

Thousands of avalanches occur each winter in the mountains of Colorado.  With the enormous popularity of winter sports in Colorado, this poses a risk to skiers, snowboarders, hikers and snowmobilers.  On average 6 people die in avalanches in the state of Colorado every year.  Anyone who travels into the high country in the winter should be prepared for avalanches and know how to avoid them. 

The first thing to know is most avalanches occur during or just after snowstorms and most occur on a slope of 30 to 45 degrees. A significant snowfall may result in an unstable snowpack.  By waiting 36 hours after a big snowstorm you may allow the snow to become more stable.  If you stay in valleys away from avalanche chutes, in stands of dense trees, or on gentle slopes you can minimize your avalanche risk.   

Continue reading Avalanche safety – Be prepared or die →

Colorado Weather, Thornton Weather, Weather Education

Life threatening winter weather – Wind chill, frostbite and hypothermia

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Wind chill, frostbite and hypothermia are very real dangers in the winter.
Wind chill, frostbite and hypothermia are very real dangers in the winter.

Winter weather can not only be trying on the mind and soul, it also presents very real dangers to the human body.  Extreme wind chills can be deadly and bring on the outset of frostbite and hypothermia.  Here in Colorado, all residents should be aware of these hazards and be prepared to deal with them. 

In this fourth in a series on Winter Weather Preparedness from the National Weather Service, ThorntonWeather.com helps you understand wind chill and how to protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia.  

Part 1 Winter travel safety
Part 2 Watches…warnings…and advisories
Part 3 High winds
Part 4 Wind chill temperatures and hypothermia
Part 5  Avalanche safety
Review  Winter Weather Preparedness Week review

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DENVER CO
ISSUED BY NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GOODLAND KS 600 AM MDT THU OCT 23 2008

Extreme wind chill – Potentially life-threatening and often overlooked

The combination of wind and cold temperatures in winter can be deadly.  Winter storms often bring heavy snow to Colorado which results in slick roadways, traffic accidents and stranded travelers.  While the attention of most people is focused on expected snow accumulation before a storm arrives, many ignore the life threatening combination of extreme cold and strong wind which often develops after the storm passes.  Wind chill is a measure of heat loss from the body due to wind and cold air.  Frostbite and hypothermia are two consequences of wind chill.  All three will be discussed today as part of Colorado Winter Weather Preparedness Week.

Continue reading Life threatening winter weather – Wind chill, frostbite and hypothermia →

Colorado Weather, Thornton Weather, Weather Education

High winds a major threat in Colorado during the winter

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Winds in the winter can be one of the most frustrating and dangerous weather conditions. What causes them and how can you protect yourself?
Winds in the winter can be one of the most frustrating and dangerous weather conditions. What causes them and how can you protect yourself?

As we have experienced in the last 24 hours or so, high winds in Colorado can cause conditions to deteriorate rapidly.  They present a very real danger to life and property, especially when coupled with other winter conditions like snow.  Why does it seem like we get so much wind in the winter?  What causes this?  How can you prepare and protect yourself and your property? 

In this third in a series on Winter Weather Preparedness from the National Weather Service, ThorntonWeather.com helps you understand why we receive so much wind and how to prepare for it. 

Part 1 Winter travel safety
Part 2 Watches…warnings…and advisories
Part 3 High winds
Part 4 Wind chill temperatures and hypothermia
Part 5  Avalanche safety
Review  Winter Weather Preparedness Week review

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DENVER CO
ISSUED BY NWS PUEBLO CO
600 AM MDT WED OCT 22 2008

HIGH WINDS ARE A MAJOR THREAT IN COLORADO DURING THE WINTER

Governor Bill Ritter has proclaimed this week through October 25th as winter weather preparedness week in Colorado.  This is an excellent time for all individuals, families, businesses, schools, and radio and television stations to review their winter weather preparedness plans.

Two main causes of high winds in Colorado during the cold season are the air pressure difference between strong low pressure and cold high pressure systems, and Chinook winds developing along the front range and mountains in the eastern half of the state.

Continue reading High winds a major threat in Colorado during the winter →

Colorado Weather, Thornton Weather, Weather Education

What does that weather warning mean?

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What does that warning mean? Knowing what the various advisories mean is important part of winter weather preparedness.
What does that warning mean? Knowing what the various advisories mean is important part of winter weather preparedness.

We all are familiar with the crawls on the TV screen or the announcements on the radio for winter weather advisories such as Winter Storm Watch, Blizzard Warning, Freeze Warning and more.  But, how many of us really know what those mean?  There is very specific criteria the National Weather Service follows in issuing these watches and warnings and there are important differences between all of them. 

In this second in a series on Winter Weather Preparedness from the National Weather Service, ThorntonWeather.com helps you understand what all of these mean so you can be better prepared. 

Part 1 Winter travel safety
Part 2 Watches…warnings…and advisories
Part 3 High winds
Part 4 Wind chill temperatures and hypothermia
Part 5  Avalanche safety
Review  Winter Weather Preparedness Week review

From the National Weather Service:

What does that warning mean?

The National Weather Service will inform you about critical weather with outlooks, watches, warnings and advisories.  Do you know what they mean?  Now is the time to find out during this Colorado winter preparedness week.

This list has the watch, warning and advisory criteria for Colorado east of the continental divide.  Save this list throughout the winter. 

Continue reading What does that weather warning mean? →

Colorado Weather, Thornton Weather, Weather Education

Winter travel safety – Ensure you and your vehicle are ready

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The Holiday Blizzard of 2006 highlighted the need for winter travel preparation.
The Holiday Blizzard of 2006 highlighted the need for winter travel preparation.

ThorntonWeather.com presents the first in a series from the National Weather Service (NWS) on Winter Weather Preparedness.  Before hitting the road, Coloradoans need to ensure that they and their vehicles are prepared should inclement weather strike. 

Today’s message from the NWS and ThorntonWeather.com highlights the importance of having a proper emergency kit in your vehicle and should the worst-case scenario occur where you get stuck, what you should do to survive. 

Part 1 Winter travel safety
Part 2 Watches…warnings…and advisories
Part 3 High winds
Part 4 Wind chill temperatures and hypothermia
Part 5  Avalanche safety
Review  Winter Weather Preparedness Week review

Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Grand Junction CO 600 AM MDT Mon Oct 20 2008

Winter Travel Safety

Winter Weather Preparedness Week continues through Saturday, October 25 as proclaimed by Governor Bill Ritter. Before winter weather arrives in earnest it is highly recommended that you prepare your car or truck for winter travel.

Continue reading Winter travel safety – Ensure you and your vehicle are ready →

Colorado Weather, Severe Weather, Thornton Weather

Governor proclaims Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Colorado

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Governor Bill Ritter has proclaimed the week of October 19th through October 25th as Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Colorado.
Governor Bill Ritter has proclaimed the week of October 19th through October 25th as Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Colorado.

Winter weather in Colorado can be an inconvenience but more than that it can be deadly.  Emergency preparedness for major winter storms – as well as for other types of severe weather – is an important part of living in a state where conditions can change wildly from one moment to the next.  To help raise awareness of the need to be prepared for these occassions, Governor Ritter has proclaimed the week of October 19th to October 25th Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Colorado. 

The National Weather Service will be issuing Public Information Statements each day this week to highlight the dangers of winter weather and how best to be prepared.  ThorntonWeather.com will be posting these notices here in our news section to help you be prepared.  Please take the time to read and heed these messages – your life could depend on it. 

Continue reading Governor proclaims Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Colorado →

Colorado Weather, Thornton Weather, Weather History

This week in Denver weather history – October 19 to October 25

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October 19th to October 25th - This week in Denver weather history.
October 19th to October 25th - This week in Denver weather history.

Snow and wind seem to dominate a look back at Denver weather history for this week.  Perhaps most notably, the October blizzard of 1997 occurred this week in history, one of the deadliest storms in Colorado history. 

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DENVER CO
645 PM MDT SAT OCT 18 2008

…THIS WEEK IN METRO DENVER WEATHER HISTORY…

17-19 IN 1908…A MOIST…HEAVY…WET SNOWFALL TOTALED 13.0 INCHES IN
        DOWNTOWN DENVER OVER THE 3 DAYS.  RAIN FROM EARLY MORNING
        ON THE 17TH CHANGED TO SNOW BY LATE AFTERNOON AND CONTINUED
        THROUGH THE LATE MORNING OF THE 19TH.  DUE TO TEMPERATURES
        IN THE 30`S AND MELTING…THE MOST SNOW ON THE GROUND WAS
        ONLY 5.0 INCHES AT 6:00 PM ON THE 18TH.  NORTHWEST TO
        NORTHEAST WINDS WERE SUSTAINED BETWEEN 12 AND 20 MPH DURING
        THE STORM.  PRECIPITATION TOTALED 1.82 INCHES.
18-23 IN 2003…AN EXTENDED WARM SPELL RESULTED IN 5 NEW TEMPERATURE
        RECORDS.  THE HIGH TEMPERATURE OF 84 DEGREES ON THE 18TH
        EQUALED THE RECORD HIGH FOR THE DATE.  HIGH TEMPERATURES
        OF 86 DEGREES ON THE 19TH…83 DEGREES ON THE 21ST…AND 84
        DEGREES ON THE 22ND WERE RECORD HIGHS FOR THE DATES.  LOW
        TEMPERATURE OF 49 DEGREES ON THE 23RD WAS A RECORD HIGH
        MINIMUM FOR THE DATE.  LOW TEMPERATURES DURING THE PERIOD
        WERE IN THE 40`S AND LOWER 50`S.

Continue reading This week in Denver weather history – October 19 to October 25 →

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