Accident Alert
Jefferson County
Golden
Castle Rock
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Aurora
Westminster
9News meteorologist Kathy Sabine says in Denver, which is under a snow advisory, another two to four inches is forecast. The city will likely have up to seven inches in some spots by Friday.
For the western and southern suburbs, which are under a winter storm warning, another four to eight inches from this storm are possible. The Foothills will also get three to six inches on top of what’s already there.
While some snow was in the forecast for Thursday, it began falling earlier and heavier than expected after the storm changed path slightly overnight.
Snow has been piling up throughout the Front Range and northern and central mountains. Up in the high country, the totals are being measured in feet.
More than a foot of snow has fallen at Copper Mountain over the past 24 hours. Folks at the ski resort are reporting 20 feet so far this season, which means the resort is on track to break its snowiest season ever, which was set back in 1983. That year, there was a total of 36 feet.
The snow in the metro area, combined with dropping temperatures is causing roads to freeze up and contributed to several accidents during the morning commute.
“From 5 o’clock on, when the snow started falling, people just started running into each other,” Trooper Brad Keadle said. “Everyone’s out working. Nobody was in the office today.”
This afternoon’s commute is expected to be worse as the snow accumulates. Several counties are under accident alert, meaning drivers involved in minor accidents should simply exchange insurance information and contact police at a later time.
Eric Escudero of CDOT says crews will be out in full force all day and night, but he hopes people will be patient on the drive home.
Travel on much of I-70 west of Denver has been somewhat slow going Thursday because of the winter weather. But no serious accidents have been reported.
Aspen schools had a rare cancellation today. Superintendent Diana Sirko said falling snow and unplowed back roads were to blame.
Snow advisories continue until 4 a.m. Friday in the metro area which means morning traffic could be impacted in some areas. The rest of the day will be clear and chilly with a high of 41 degrees.
