Denver braces for major winter storm, heavy snow and strong winds, Colorado

Denver and surrounding areas are on high alert as a powerful Pacific storm system is expected to hit the central Rockies and Plains, including Colorado, with severe weather conditions starting late Wednesday, March 13, 2024. The storm is expected to bring heavy mountain snows, lower elevation rain, and strong winds through mid-week, intensifying as it moves across the central Plains.

Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Watches will go into effect early Wednesday, with heavy snowfall predicted to accumulate 15 – 32 cm (6 – 12 inches) by Friday morning, March 15.

The entire Denver metro area is anticipated to experience significant snowfall, exceeding 15 cm (6 inches), beginning Wednesday night. Initially starting as rain, the weather will shift to snow, continuing into Thursday with substantial snowfall expected throughout the day.

Forecasters warn of heavy, wet snow across Colorado’s Front Range, influenced by upslope winds from a separate low-pressure system forming to the northeast.

⌚Timeline of expected impacts. Bulk of storm arrives Wednesday afternoon in the mountains and foothills, rain changes to snow Wednesday evening on the plains. Difficult if not impossible travel some foothills/Palmer Divide Wed night – Thu night. Gradual improvement Friday. #COwx pic.twitter.com/hkH0ariSpn

— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) March 12, 2024

❄️Winter Storm Watch expanded to include #Denver, #Boulder, and Palmer Divide east to Limon.

Increasing confidence in heavy snowfall and potentially significant travel impacts. Make alternative travel plans/avoid travel late Wednesday through Thursday night. #COwx pic.twitter.com/zAjvXqHtVT

— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) March 12, 2024

“We are definitely looking at some significant snow for Denver and west. As you head west of Interstate 25, the snow totals will only increase,” said First Alert Meteorologist Alex Lehnert, highlighting the possibility of up to 91 cm (3 feet) of snow in some Front Range mountains and Summit County.

The combination of snow and wind may render travel in the foothills and mountains impossible, with Denver International Airport facing potential flight delays and cancellations on Thursday.

“There is an increasing confidence in heavy snowfall and potentially significant travel impacts,” forecasters at the NWS office in Boulder, Colorado said. “Make alternative travel plans/avoid travel late Wednesday through Thursday night.”

While Colorado’s Eastern Plains and parts of Northern Colorado are expected to see lesser accumulation, there remains uncertainty regarding the storm’s track, which could alter forecasted totals and timing.

References:

¹ Short Range Forecast Discussion – NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD – 400 AM EDT Tue Mar 12 2024

² Major snowstorm heading for Denver area, get ready for snow totals as high as 12 inches – CBS News – March 12, 2024

Featured image: Denver downtown on March 12, 2024. Credit: meteoblue (stillshot)