Rain in the Denver metro area changed to heavy snow early Tuesday evening. The temperature at 6 p.m. in Denver was 34 degrees, so snow has not stuck on roads, but that is expected to change overnight as temperatures drop.
Road Conditions
Slick roads developed quickly during the afternoon drive in and near the foothills. A jack-knifed semi-truck slowed commuters on Interstate 70 near Evergreen Parkway through early evening on Tuesday. The truck took several hours to clear.
School Closures
Denver Public Schools announced just before 7 p.m. that all schools will be closed on Wednesday. Aurora Public Schools also announced closure on Wednesday. Many other school districts on Colorado's Front Range followed suit.
Visibility and Fog
There has been fog in areas including the Denver Tech Center and Castle Rock. The Wednesday morning commute is expected to be slick across the state.
Airport Operations
De-icing of planes was taking place for flights departing from Denver International Airport on Tuesday night.
Precipitation Data
Before the snow, Denver recorded more than a quarter of an inch of rain. The city is projected to get 3 to 6 inches of snow by the time the storm moves out Wednesday. Fort Collins got nearly an inch of rain before snow. Some school districts in that area also announced closure Wednesday due to expected snow accumulation.
Mountain Snowfall
Heavier snow totals are expected in Colorado's northern and central mountains and foothills. Estes Park recorded 20 inches of snow, and Rabbit Ears Pass recorded more than a foot, with more snow expected through Wednesday afternoon.
Freeze Warnings
After the storm, freeze warnings and watches are in effect across many areas of Colorado.
Road Treatment
Colorado Department of Transportation officials said they did not pre-treat roads because of warm weather preceding the snowfall. CDOT plans to have around 100 snowplows in the Denver region during the storm.