Double-Digit Snowfall Hits Colorado, Stranding Travelers Amidst Major Winter Storm
Written by: Stormin Norman
Colorado is currently under siege by a powerful winter storm, unleashing heavy snowfall and wreaking havoc across the state. This history-making storm has brought about a multitude of challenges, including school closures, power outages, and the cancellation of hundreds of flights. Outside of Colorado, thunderstorms loom over the Midwest and Mississippi Valley regions, capable of unleashing tornadoes and causing significant hail damage.
Experts are warning that this could potentially be the worst winter storm Colorado has experienced in years. Officials have issued alerts about treacherous whiteout conditions on the state's mountain roads, as well as in large parts of the Denver and Boulder metro areas. In response, sections of major highways, including the notorious I-70, have been shut down, and authorities are urging residents to stay indoors for their own safety.
The storm first began as rain in the Denver area before transforming into heavy snowfall. According to the National Weather Service, the region was expected to receive anywhere between 10 to 20 inches of snow, with the western suburbs bracing for up to a staggering 3 feet.
On Friday, the Front Range, Sangre de Cristo, and San Juan mountain ranges witnessed a deluge of snow. Even downtown Denver found itself buried under several feet of snow, prompting officials to open multiple shelters and warming centers for the remainder of the week.
Denver deployed 36 residential plows as early as 3 a.m. on Thursday. The plan was to clear the top layers of snow off the streets, in hopes that main thoroughfares could remain open.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston expressed his concerns on “X”, "Our city hasn't seen a storm like this in a few years." He took to social media to inform residents about the severity of the situation and subsequently announced the closure of county and city government offices until Friday when the storm is expected to gradually subside.
The power grid has also taken a hit, with over 16,000 utility customers left without electricity, according to data maintained by USA TODAY. Furthermore, Denver International Airport, though open, experienced the cancellation or delay of approximately 800 flights, according to FlightAware, causing widespread disruption to travel plans.
The heaviest snow accumulations are predicted to occur in the Front Range Mountains and Foothills, with a large area expected to receive between 18 to 36 inches. Astonishingly, some areas may even witness snowfall exceeding 4 feet, as warned by the National Weather Service.
With slushy icy road conditions ensure you are following traction and chain laws. (Colorado State Patrol/“X”)
In light of the hazardous conditions, the Colorado State Patrol issued a stern warning on “X”, urging individuals to stay home. They emphasized the growing concern for stranded motorists and the challenges faced by troopers attempting to reach them.
Snowfall reports have been pouring in from various locations across the state. Aspen Springs, nestled in the foothills of Gilpin County, west of Denver, has already accumulated a staggering 23 inches of snow as of Thursday morning. Meanwhile, an area on the western edge of the Denver metro area recorded 18.5 inches, and Jamestown in Boulder County received 14.3 inches, according to the weather service.
READ MORE:
Nearly 300 Snowplows Ready to Go to Work Throughout Colorado
Colorado Governor Jared Polis Under Fire for Ignoring Rural Areas During Freezing Temperatures
The snowstorm in Colorado occurs simultaneously with severe weather conditions in other parts of the country. Kansas and Missouri were pelted with massive hail chunks on Wednesday night, while Kansas experienced possible tornadoes unleashed by the storms.
As Colorado battles this unprecedented winter storm, residents are urged to remain home if possible, stay informed, and prioritize their safety.
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