Colorado Braces for Historic Snowfall as Winter Storm Wreaks Havoc on State
A powerful winter storm has engulfed the state of Colorado, leaving a trail of heavy snowfall and travel disruptions in its wake. The storm, which made landfall on Tuesday, has already dumped several feet of snow in some areas, with the National Weather Service warning of another 10 inches possible in Denver by Saturday.
Warnings and Advisories
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for much of the state, with the heaviest snowfall expected in the Denver metro area, where up to 20 inches is possible. The warnings stretch from Denver east and south, where 1-2 feet of snow could fall on top of the already significant accumulation. A Winter Storm Watch has also been issued for the Front Range foothills and mountains, where 18-36 inches of snow is expected.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis has declared a disaster emergency and activated the national guard in anticipation of the severe weather conditions. "This is a serious storm, and we want to make sure that Coloradans are prepared," Polis said in a statement. "We're doing everything we can to keep people safe and provide support to those who need it."
Heavy Snowfall and Travel Impacts
The storm has already started to make its presence felt, with several inches of snow falling across the state. The National Weather Service reports that some areas have seen over 3 feet of snow, with the majority of the snow falling in the past 24 hours. The heavy snowfall has led to travel disruptions, with several major highways closed due to heavy snow and high winds.
"This is a major winter storm that's going to have a significant impact on travel and daily life," said a spokesperson for the Colorado Department of Transportation. "We're advising people to stay indoors and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary." Schools in the Denver metro area have also been closed due to the weather conditions.
Current Conditions and Forecast
The current snowfall totals are impressive, with some areas seeing over 40 inches of snow in the past few days. The National Weather Service reports that the heaviest snowfall is expected to occur in the Palmer Divide area, with snowfall rates in excess of 1 inch per hour possible.
The storm is expected to slowly move out of the area by Saturday, with drier and warmer weather returning by Sunday. However, the damage has already been done, with the significant snowfall causing widespread disruptions across the state. Residents are advised to stay indoors and wait for the storm to pass before venturing out.
The 9NEWS Weather Impact Team has called a Weather Impact Day for Friday and Saturday due to the expected heavy snowfall and travel impacts. Up to 2 inches per hour snowfall rates are expected in Denver through late Friday evening, with major travel impacts expected in the metro and eastern parts of the state.
For those looking for the latest updates and snowfall totals, the National Weather Service provides a probabilistic snow forecast, which shows the chances of higher snowfall amounts. The current forecast has the Denver metro area seeing 10-20 inches of snow, with up to 24 inches possible in the western suburbs.
Preparing for the Worst
As the storm continues to wreak havoc on the state, residents are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe. The American Red Cross recommends that residents have a winter storm kit with essentials such as food, water, and first aid supplies.
For those who must travel, the Colorado Department of Transportation advises drivers to slow down and use caution on snow-covered roads. "It's better to err on the side of caution and wait for the storm to pass before venturing out," said a spokesperson for the department.
As the state continues to deal with the aftermath of the winter storm, residents are advised to stay safe and patient. With the storm expected to move out of the area by Saturday, the worst of the weather is almost behind us.
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