A powerful winter storm is poised to hit Denver with heavy snow, posing a threat to the area. Meteorologists at AccuWeather are advising that a small yet intense winter storm is expected to follow a specific path, bringing significant snowfall to various parts of Colorado, including the Denver metropolitan region, from Thursday night through Friday morning. Unlike most storms that cross the Rockies and tend to disperse due to the rugged terrain, compact storms like this one hold their strength and can generate heavy snowfall in a concentrated area, typically to the north. This particular storm is forecasted to traverse central Colorado before moving southward over the Plains.
AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham noted, “The brunt of the snowfall will occur, as usual, in the mountainous regions west of Denver. However, the city and its outskirts could accumulate several inches to half a foot of snow, primarily during Thursday night.” Snowfall rates could reach up to an inch or more per hour in lower elevations, creating hazardous driving conditions on roads and highways. In the mountains, snowfall rates may exceed 2 inches per hour at times, leading to temporary road closures.
As the storm progresses, travel conditions are expected to be treacherous on highways, with potential delays and cancellations at Denver International Airport. While some snow is anticipated to reach Colorado Springs, accumulations are predicted to be minimal. The storm’s compact nature may cause the bulk of the snow to bypass Fort Collins, Colorado.
Following the storm’s passage on Friday afternoon, temperatures are projected to rise into the 30s, aiding in the melting of the newly fallen snow and facilitating cleanup efforts. However, as temperatures drop on Friday night, untreated slushy areas could freeze, creating additional hazards on the roads.
Significant snowmelt outside the mountainous areas is anticipated on Saturday, with Denver expecting temperatures near 50 degrees. The storm’s departure by the weekend should lead to favorable conditions at ski resorts, with Saturday and Sunday likely to offer sunny skies and gentle winds across much of Colorado’s ski country.
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