A new storm in Colorado is expected to introduce the possibility of snowfall accumulation during Thursday morning’s commute in the Denver metropolitan area. Thursday has been designated as a First Alert Weather Day.
Snow is set to start along Interstate 70 between 1 and 3 a.m., extending to Interstate 25 between 4 and 6 a.m. The accumulation may not be remarkable, but the timing will lead to travel disruptions for the morning rush hour.
An overall 2 to 4 inches are anticipated across the Palmer Divide with lighter totals ranging from 1-3 inches across I-70 on the Plains. The mountain stretch of I-70 is expected to receive a cumulative 2-5 inches east of the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel.
Several crucial elements are influencing this mild system, granting it a larger impact:
- The first is the winds. Gusts up to 45 MPH are forecasted during the morning rush.
- The second is the light, airy character of the snow. Blustery winds combined with light snowfall will cause blowing snow, diminishing visibility across the Palmer Divide and Plains during the commute.
Overnight temperatures will hover in the teens and 20s, ensuring that most of the snowfall will adhere. As this system moves out, frigid air will permeate, and lows will dip into the single digits Thursday night into Friday, with wind chills at or below zero.