Watches/Warnings/Advisories
***Winter Storm Warning***
In effect from Tuesday October 29, 2019 6AM – Wednesday October 30, 2019 12PM
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Denver CO 405 AM MDT Tue Oct 29 2019 ...SNOW AND COLD TODAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING... .A storm system will drop south out of the Northern Rockies and will be centered near the Four Corners by tonight. The storm system will then track east across Colorado late tonight and Wednesday. Snow will become widespread this morning, across much of the area, with heavier snow developing later this morning through the afternoon. Roads are expected to become snow covered and slippery this morning with hazardous travel conditions by midday through tonight into Wednesday morning. If traveling today or Wednesday morning consider adjusting your travel plans. COZ039>041-043>046-049-291815- /O.CON.KBOU.WS.W.0016.191029T1200Z-191030T1800Z/ Boulder and the western suburbs of Denver-Denver-Castle Rock- Greeley-Fort Morgan-Byers-Limon-Akron- Including the cities of Arvada, Boulder, Golden, Lakewood, Longmont, Aurora, Brighton, City of Denver, Denver International Airport, Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Parker, Castle Rock, Elbert, Fondis, Kiowa, Larkspur, Eaton, Fort Lupton, Greeley, Roggen, Brush, Fort Morgan, Goodrich, Wiggins, Bennett, Byers, Deer Trail, Leader, Agate, Hugo, Limon, Matheson, Akron, Cope, Last Chance, and Otis 405 AM MDT Tue Oct 29 2019 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON MDT WEDNESDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches. * WHERE...Portions of east central and northeast Colorado. * WHEN...From 6 AM Tuesday to noon MDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Travel is expected to be very difficult. The hazardous conditions are expected to impact the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commute. The cold wind chills as low as 15 below zero could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
Forecast/Hazards/Timelines/Impacts (The Need to Know Planning Stuff!)
Impacts
Snowfall/Travel Impacts
- Moderate to high impacts are occurring this morning along Front Range roads.
- Moderate to high impacts to travel look likely into Tuesday night and Wednesday morning
- Roads are expected to become icy and snow packed in the heaviest areas of snow. Be prepared for difficult and potentially dangerous travel conditions along the front range including Denver, Palmer Divide and areas East of Denver especially later in the day Tuesday through Wednesday morning.
Timing
- Tuesday
- Snow is occurring Tuesday morning, moderate intensity in some places
- Snow will pick up in intensity after lunch time with heavier snow establishing after 3PM and into the evening hours
- Heavy snow and wind will be likely for many areas going into Tuesday evening and overnight
- Wednesday
- Heavy snow overnight and cold temperatures means the commute Wednesday morning will see moderate to high impacts
- Snow is expected to continue through early Wednesday with the heaviest accumulations in the morning.
- Snow begins to taper off by late morning to afternoon
- Extremely cold temperatures will be possible overnight Wednesday into Thursday
Snowfall
A couple of factors went into adjusting snow totals from last night's to this morning's model runs. First, models initially backed off on snow totals last night but this morning increased them. Second, the snow intensity this morning is a bit heavier than anticipated and it began snowing a bit earlier as well. All of this points (if everything else in this storm stays the same) to higher snowfall accumluation.
Here's the latest for the Palmer Divide and around the front range:
Models this morning have been very consistent with totals in these amounts. Not anticipating any more changes to these totals unless something falls apart or the storm strengthens.
Summary
Pretty good sized storm on our hands. Already seeing reports of tough travel conditions not only in Denver but areas South towards the springs and Palmer Divide. Remember, a Winter Storm Warning means travel is not advised. If you can stay off the roads today that's definitely a good idea. If you have to travel make sure you have a survival kit and any necessary supplies in your vehicle!
If we see any more updates we will be sure to pass them along, but looks like the storm is moving in!
Thanks for the updates and explanation so clearly given. You are appreciated very much!