A major storm system that was headed for the Denver metro area was pushed south by jet streams during the night, sparing the area of deep snow.
The National Weather Service has lifted a storm warning for the metro area, predicting the area could receive as little as an inch or two of snow by tonight. But there is no snow on the ground in the metro area this morning.
Commuter highways are dry, except for snow-melting chemicals that were spread in some areas during the night in anticipation of the big storm.
United and Frontier airlines canceled a number of flights Thursday night in anticipation of the storm and those flights will remain canceled. However, officials say operations at DIA are normal today. Air travelers may face some delays this afternoon if de-icing is put into operation.
However, the storm that missed Denver has covered the southeastern section of the state and may leave a total of 8 to 12 inches.
Winter storm warnings are in place from Castle Rock out to Limon and down to the New Mexico line. Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Lamar and La Junta could receive 4 to 10 inches of snow.
The Colorado Department of Transportation reports that as of sunrise this morning, roads in the Castle Rock area are dry, Monument Hill is wet with some fog, Colorado Springs is wet and slushy, Pueblo is wet.
Heavy fog has settled into the Mount. Vernon Canyon area on Interstate 70 just west of Denver. Traffic over the Continental Divide is moving smoothly. The major passes in the southwest part of the state, including Monarch, Molas and Red Mountain, are receiving snow and chain laws are in effect.
This weekend is predicted to have good weather, with some clouds, a lot of sun and temperatures in the 50s. Temperatures on Sunday may reach into the mid-60s in the metro area.
Another storm system headed this way may hit sometime early next week. Forecasters say it’s still too early to accurately predict the storm’s track.
