Snow and ice could significantly impact travel late Friday and early Saturday across the Denver metro area.
Most of the Denver area will see a total of 1-4 inches of snow by the time it comes to an end on Saturday evening. Two rounds of wintry weather are likely with this system: one starting as early as noon on Friday, and another stronger round on Saturday morning.
Freezing drizzle could impact Friday evening’s commute, as the precipitation first starts up. Areas just east and north of Denver have the highest probabilities of seeing ice from freezing drizzle, which will likely switch over to snow later on Friday.
Only minor accumulation is expected with this first round of precipitation, but it could have the highest impact since it’ll fall just before and during the commute.
Most of the metro area will probably see its heaviest snowfall on Saturday morning, with the storm focused east of the Interstate 25 corridor early on Saturday.
The Eastern Plains should expect a half foot of snow along with strong winds. Travel on Interstates 70 and 76 will be near impossible on Friday through most of Saturday, with “near blizzard” conditions expected, according to the National Weather Service. The snow and wind combination could lead to brief periods of near whiteout conditions.
Winter storm coming Saturday. Near blizzard conditions possible eastern plains. Light snow today with highs in the 30s for .
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder)
After a high degree of uncertainty ruled the forecast most of the week, just a few inches of snow appears to be the likeliest scenario for most of the Denver area. Some of the foothills just west and south of the city could receive closer to 6 or 7 inches of snow, and communities east of Denver will also see snow totals closer to a half foot. Winds will also gust up to 25 mph across the Denver area on Saturday, which could limit visibility.
Lighter accumulations are expected north of Denver, where northerly winds will create a small snow hole from Fort Collins to Thornton. Here, total accumulations between 1-3 inches are likely, perhaps a leaning to the lower end of that range.
The snow should end by Saturday night, and it will be followed by cold weather for both Sunday and Monday.
