On Tuesday evening, a spring storm hit the Denver metro area, shifting from rain to heavy snow. At 6 p.m., the temperature in Denver was 34 degrees, causing the snow to initially melt on the roads. But as temperatures dropped overnight, that changed quickly.
During the evening commute, roads became slick—especially near the foothills. A jack-knifed semi-truck on Interstate 70 near Evergreen Parkway added to the delays for drivers.
Due to the worsening conditions, Denver Public Schools announced late Tuesday that all schools would be closed on Wednesday. Aurora Public Schools followed suit, along with many others across Colorado’s Front Range. These closures were necessary as morning visibility looks poor for drivers, with fog affecting areas like the Denver Tech Center and Castle Rock.
Airport operations were also impacted, with de-icing activities taking place at Denver International Airport on Tuesday night. Before the snow began, the area recorded over a quarter-inch of rain. By Wednesday, Denver expected to see about 3 to 6 inches of snow. Fort Collins experienced nearly an inch of rain before the snow arrived, prompting similar closures in school districts there.
Mountain areas are seeing even more accumulation. Estes Park recorded around 20 inches of snow before dark on Wednesday, while Rabbit Ears Pass got over a foot. Predictions indicate more snow through Wednesday afternoon, significantly affecting travel conditions.
Once the storm passes, officials warned of freeze warnings across many parts of Colorado. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) stated they did not pre-treat the roads due to warmer conditions leading up to the storm but are deploying about 100 snowplows in the Denver area to clear the roads.
In the past, similar sudden weather changes have caught residents off guard, but it’s fresh reminders like this spring storm that keep people aware. Experts suggest it’s essential to stay informed through local weather updates, especially during such unpredictable times. With the growing impact of climate change, fluctuations in weather patterns are becoming more common, making it crucial for drivers and commuters to remain vigilant.
Have you experienced any challenges during this storm? Share your stories and photos with local news outlets to highlight how your community is coping with the weather.
