An intense storm that rolled into the state Thursday could drop up to a foot of snow across the metro area and along the Front Range foothills.
And while forecasts call for a quick melt and sunny skies Saturday and Sunday, weather watchers have spotted another storm expected to bring more snow early next week.
By this evening, Denver could have 6 to 8 inches of snow, while Jefferson and Douglas counties could see up to 12 inches, National Weather Service forecasters said. The heaviest snow should hit near Monument and Palmer, where 18 inches could fall.
The northeastern plains can expect about a foot of snow, aggravated by strong winds reaching 50 mph. The blizzard conditions will make it dangerous for livestock and drivers along Interstates 70 and 76.
United and Frontier airlines canceled flights in and out of Denver International Airport pre-emptively Thursday afternoon. United canceled about 10 percent of 840 flights scheduled for Thursday and scratched an additional 40 flights scheduled for this morning, company spokesman Jeff Kovik said.
The flights “are from a variety of regions and allow us to attempt to operate all of our other scheduled flights as close to on time as possible,” Kovik said.
Frontier canceled nine flights scheduled for this morning, company officials said.
April is typically one of the state’s snowiest months.
Because the pavement usually retains more heat this time of year, public works crews did not pre-treat roads in some cities with de-icer until temperatures dropped below freezing.
“Even though it might get cold outside, the heat in the pavement helps the snow to melt and avoid those snowpack conditions,” said Ann Williams, spokeswoman for Denver Public Works.
The American Red Cross Mile High Chapter in Denver began stocking shelter supplies and positioning them throughout the metro area.
Saturday in the metro area should be sunny, with temperatures in the 50s.
Another storm should move toward Colorado over the weekend. Forecasters said it was too early to predict exactly when the storm will hit and how much snow it might bring.
Staff writer Manny Gonzales can be reached at 303-954-1537 or mgonzales@denverpost.com.
