As the metro area s first snow of the season started to accumulate Tuesday afternoon, the storm was leaving a much deeper impression in the high country, where the northern and central mountains were expecting up to 12 inches. It s like January, one ski-company representative said.
Chain restrictions are in effect for eastbound I-70 from mile marker 205 to the Eisenhower Tunnel and for westbound I-70 from mile marker 228 to the Eisenhower Tunnel.
I-70 eastbound MM 219 is closed due to accident, expect long delays. Chains 1-drive axle combo commercial vehicles; chains or snow tires all other commercial vehicles.
Xcel Energy is reporting no widespread outages because of the snow. Xcel says around 1,500 people were without power at various times during Tuesday evening. Xcel sent out extra crews to handle any problems.
In the high country, westbound I-70 was closed between Georgetown and the Eisenhower Tunnel, after a series of vehicles got stuck along the icy, snowpacked highway.
Chain laws were in effect for commercial vehicles at U.S. 6, Loveland Pass, and along I-70 near the Eisenhower Tunnel.
Heavy snow began falling in Denver during the lunch hour, with little accumulation because of the warmth of the ground. The forecast calls for Denver to receive up to four inches of snow through the night, primarily on the grassy areas.
Up to a foot of snow could hit the central mountains, including many of the state’s ski areas which badly need the snow. Aspen, Vail, Steamboat Springs and Summit County could all see deep snow tonight.
