Major winter storm hits Denver, Front Range foothills expect over 120 cm (4 feet) of snow, Colorado
A significant winter storm has brought heavy snowfall to Colorado, particularly affecting areas from Denver to the state’s ski resorts, resulting in widespread flight cancellations and major highway closures. The National Weather Service in Boulder reports more than 60 cm (2 feet) of snow in the Front Range foothills and predicts totals could exceed 120 cm (4 feet) in some mountainous areas by Friday morning, March 15, 2024.
The storm has closed schools and government offices, forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights and led to the closure of Interstate 70, a crucial route linking Denver with popular ski resorts.
According to the National Weather Service in Boulder, the Front Range foothills have already seen more than 30 cm (2 feet) of snow, with metro Denver receiving up to 25 cm (10 inches) by early Thursday morning. Forecasts predict that the Denver area could see more than 30 cm (1 foot) of snow, while some foothills and mountain areas might accumulate more than 120 cm (4 feet) by Friday morning.
Despite a brief pause in snowfall Thursday morning, meteorologists warn of heavier snow resuming in the afternoon and evening. The Denver area is expected to receive an additional 15 – 30 cm (6 – 12 inches) of snow, with 35 – 66 cm (14 – 26 inches) more forecasted for the foothills. Areas farther east will see lighter amounts.
MORE SNOW!!! After a lull along portions of the I-25 Corridor this morning, snow is expected to become more widespread and heavier again this afternoon and evening. Another 6-12" coming for Denver metro, and 14-26" more for the foothills. Lighter amounts farther east. #COwx pic.twitter.com/bwl7Awu7Ds
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) March 14, 2024
View from the CDOT Traffic Operations Center. Lower panels show central Denver coridor. Upper panels show I-70 west and I-25 south.
— CSP Golden (@csp_golden) March 14, 2024
Stay home !! Troopers are getting stuck trying to get to all the stranded motorists.
S1 pic.twitter.com/jCWyFh5hLL
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said the city has not seen anything similar in recent years. The storm disrupted local infrastructure and posed significant challenges for emergency services, with the Colorado State Patrol advising residents to stay home due to difficulties in reaching stranded motorists.
In response to the snowstorm, Denver initiated a snow clearance plan, deploying 36 residential plows early Thursday to clear pathways to main streets.
Denver International Airport remained operational, albeit with significant disruptions. Approximately 800 flights were either canceled or delayed, impacting travel plans for thousands of passengers.
The winter storm in Colorado is part of a broader pattern of severe weather affecting parts of the country, with Kansas and Missouri experiencing hail storms and tornadoes.
References:
1 Colorado weather: Winter storm hammers metro Denver, Front Range – The Denver Post – March 14, 2024
2 Double-digit snowfall in parts of Colorado during major storm, some drivers stranded – AP – March 14, 2024
3 Major winter storm targets Central and Southern Rockies, widespread disruptions expected – The Watchers – March 13, 2024
Featured image: CDOT Traffic Operations Center on March 14, 2024. Credit: CSP Golden
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.