Residents of Denver’s southern suburbs were divided between pleasure and pain at the season’s first significant snowfall. Location and schedules dictated whether the snowfall, which ranged from less than 6 inches up to about 14 inches across the southern metro area by 8 a.m., was a blessing or a curse.
Residents in Parker and Elizabeth reported the worst problems on social media.
Traffic was stopped on Interstate 25 at Plum Creek Parkway, but in the city the Public Works Department had 22 plows out and the morning snow was turning to slush on main thoroughfares, said city spokeswoman Caroline Kipp.
“Obviously people have been getting stuck, but we’ve got police officers out helping people,” she said.
Power was out temporarily but was restored by about 4:30 a.m.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Department issued an accident alert Tuesday morning, urging would-be motorists to stay off the roads.
Kipp said snow was continuing to fall at about about one half-inch per hour, and city officials were expected a maximum accumulation of about a foot.
The city has a website, , to inform residents about the approximate times snow plows would be passing.
Twitter featured photos far more picturesque that perilous in the southern suburbs.
“It’s beautiful out,” said Jane Martin of Parker, who was active on social media Tuesday morning. “My three kids are going sledding and probably throwing snowballs. I’m having coffee and the kids are having hot chocolate right now.”
Circumstances were more dire near Elizabeth east of Franktown.
“My car isn’t moving, and I’ve got front-wheel drive,” said Mike Hauser, a construction worker who estimated about 10 inches at his house. “I see a lot of people joking, but when you can’t go to work it’s not funny.”
Law enforcement dispatchers for Douglas County and the Parker Police Department reported no abnormal traffic problems from the snowfall
Douglas County schools and Aurora schools were closed Tuesday. “In the interest of safety, staff and students should stay home,” Aurora Public Schools said in a 5 a.m. media alert.
Arapahoe County government offices and courts were set to open at 10 a.m. City of Centennial offices were set to open at 11 a.m.
Joey Bunch: 303-954-1174, jbunch@denverpost.com or @joeybunch
