The storm system has already dumped 22-inches of wet and heavy snow in Denver, Colorado, forcing the airport to cancel almost 700 flights. Thundersnow has fallen in the southern part of the state, an indication of the instability of the system, reports Weather.com.
Fox News is reporting the national Weather Service is forecasting for up to four feet of snow to fall in the northern Front Range mountains by early Sunday, while the San Juan Mountains in the southwestern part of the state could get up to two feet of snow.
The weather forecast is also calling for this “impressive” storm to continue to dump snow for as long as five days. The storm isn’t focused on just the Rockies and High Plains, either. Northern Arizona also has a blanket of snow. In case anyone is wondering, April snows in the Rockies are really not unusual.
The storm moved into the state on Friday, forcing the closure of Interstate 70 for several hours because of poor visibility and numerous accidents. The good news is that snowboarders and skiers will get one last chance to hit the slopes if they can get to them.
The Colorado Emergency Operations Center opened on Friday to begin coordinating resources so communities that are hit hard by this storm will be prepared. The OPs center is at Level III, meaning that all resources, including the National Guard, are on alert.
Colorado Department of Transportation spokesperson Amy Frost warned travelers that there are several things to remember about this storm: There will be a lot of snow, and it will be heavy. “If you’re planning on driving to the mountains, we want people to remember that ‘chain law’ and ‘passenger traction’ laws will very likely be in effect, so check your tires and make sure your cars are ready to go,” she added.
