A powerful winter storm is set to slam into Colorado, bringing significant snowfall and hazardous travel conditions. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for several mountain regions, with up to 2 feet of snow possible in some areas.
Residents in the state's northern and central mountains can expect heavy snowfall totals, reaching over 20 inches in some areas, including Flat Tops, Gore and Elk Mountains, and Central Mountain Valleys. The Sierra Madre and Snowy Ranges are also expected to receive significant snowfall, with totals reaching up to 2 feet.
The storm's impact will be felt throughout the state, with areas below 9,000 feet in Grand and Summit Counties potentially seeing up to 3 feet of snow. However, it's worth noting that these totals can vary significantly depending on elevation.
Travel conditions are expected to be treacherous, especially during the night and early morning hours when winds will likely pick up. The National Weather Service advises residents to exercise extreme caution when traveling, considering delaying all non-essential trips.
Residents who must travel during the storm should prepare by taking a winter storm kit with essentials such as tire chains, booster cables, flashlights, shovels, blankets, and extra clothing. It's also recommended to bring water, first aid kits, and other supplies that could help in case of an emergency.
The National Weather Service meteorologist Marc Chenard emphasizes the importance of caution when traveling during the storm, noting that conditions will likely worsen overnight and into tomorrow before lightening up by tomorrow evening or night.
Residents in the state's northern and central mountains can expect heavy snowfall totals, reaching over 20 inches in some areas, including Flat Tops, Gore and Elk Mountains, and Central Mountain Valleys. The Sierra Madre and Snowy Ranges are also expected to receive significant snowfall, with totals reaching up to 2 feet.
The storm's impact will be felt throughout the state, with areas below 9,000 feet in Grand and Summit Counties potentially seeing up to 3 feet of snow. However, it's worth noting that these totals can vary significantly depending on elevation.
Travel conditions are expected to be treacherous, especially during the night and early morning hours when winds will likely pick up. The National Weather Service advises residents to exercise extreme caution when traveling, considering delaying all non-essential trips.
Residents who must travel during the storm should prepare by taking a winter storm kit with essentials such as tire chains, booster cables, flashlights, shovels, blankets, and extra clothing. It's also recommended to bring water, first aid kits, and other supplies that could help in case of an emergency.
The National Weather Service meteorologist Marc Chenard emphasizes the importance of caution when traveling during the storm, noting that conditions will likely worsen overnight and into tomorrow before lightening up by tomorrow evening or night.