Winter’s return to Denver and the Front Range on Thursday has created tough driving conditions, especially in the foothills and mountains, with officials warning of icy roads as temperatures plummet.
“Denver’s streets are wet from today’s snow showers, and Denver Public Works would like residents to be aware of the potential for roads to become icy,” Denver Public Works said Thursday afternoon. “Denver will have plow drivers on duty tonight and overnight to plow and drop de-icing material as needed. Commuters are encouraged to plan ahead and give themselves extra time in the morning to get to their destinations.”
: Spun out vehicles, crashes close parts of I-70, Highway 93 and Boulder Canyon. DEVELOPING:
— Denver7 News (@DenverChannel)
The northwesterly snowstorm is packing winds — with gusts up to 23 mph in the city — and low wind chill. The temperature was staying steady at about 28 degrees in Denver on Thursday, although it was expected to drop into the teens after sunset.
Much of the high country on the Western Slope is under a winter weather advisory, in effect until Friday morning. From 8 to 14 inches of snow is expected in the northern mountains, weather forecasters say.
Colorado Department of Transportation cameras showed snow-packed roads in the mountains.
The storm was making for a sloppy drive Thursday on the Interstate 70 corridor, where crashes prompted the closure of Vail Pass and a stretch near Morrison and Lookout Mountain.
Multiple crashes EB I-70 Lookout Mtn;MM 257;Expect heavy delays in this area
— Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) (@ColoradoDOT)
“A winter weather advisory will continue through (Thursday) to account for hazardous conditions from ice and accumulating snow,” the National Weather Service in Boulder said. “Over the mountains, light snow will continue through the evening into the morning hours on Friday with 8 to 14 inches possible. Higher amounts will be over west-facing slopes, with 5 to 8 inches over the western foothills.”
Don’t expect winter to leave soon.
It will be frigid Friday night, with a low of around 10 degrees. Taking into account the wind chill, it will feel like minus 1 at times.
Soft southwest breezes will signal a weekend warm-up. The high temperature will be 37 degrees Saturday and 39 on Sunday, the weather service predicts.
Next week, the forecast calls for highs in the lower to mid-40s Monday through Wednesday.
The latest from Colorado’s roads:
