A late spring snowstorm intensified over parts of Colorado on Wednesday, forcing school closures, flight delays, and creating slushy conditions for commuters. The storm, which swept over the Rocky Mountains and into the High Plains on Tuesday, was expected to weaken before concluding Wednesday afternoon, but not before depositing heavy, wet snow in higher elevations.
Winter Storm Warning and Snowfall Totals
A winter storm warning remained in effect through the afternoon, with an additional 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) of snow forecast for Fort Collins, Boulder, the Denver metro area, and Castle Rock, according to the National Weather Service. “We expect roads to be slick during heavier snow showers, but for the lower elevations, any road accumulations will melt quickly as snow showers subside,” the weather service office in Denver posted online Wednesday.
The small mountain town of Jamestown, near Boulder, recorded 16.3 inches (41.4 centimeters) of snow as of early Wednesday. Estes Park, near Rocky Mountain National Park, reported 17 inches (43 centimeters) of snow as of Tuesday night. Boulder received nearly 6 inches (15 centimeters) by the end of Tuesday, prompting city officials to advise residents to avoid standing under or near trees with heavy snow accumulation due to downed branches.
Denver Faces Biggest Snowfall of the Season
Denver was facing what may be its largest snowfall of the season. Denver International Airport recorded 3.7 inches (9.3 centimeters) of snow by 2 a.m. Wednesday, resulting in some delays and cancellations early in the day. Temperatures also dropped significantly, with Denver in the low 30s Wednesday morning. The city activated its cold weather shelter plan. Warmer temperatures are expected to return Thursday, the weather service said.
School Closures and Event Disruptions
The state's largest school district, Denver Public Schools, along with other major districts and colleges in the region, canceled Wednesday classes due to severe weather. The storm also prompted the Colorado Rockies to reschedule two games against the New York Mets, a common occurrence during Denver's spring baseball season, including four times in 2015, according to MLB.
Despite the ominous forecast, thousands attended a David Guetta concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Tuesday night. Organizers moved the start time up by an hour to help fans get home before the worst of the storm. Concertgoers bundled up in furry winter coats and beanies while waiting in line to enter the outdoor venue.
Historical Context and Agricultural Impact
May snows are not unprecedented in Colorado and are even more common in Cheyenne, Wyoming, which is nearly 1,000 feet (300 meters) higher than Denver and cooler year-round. Wyoming is also windier, causing snow to drift and requiring repeated plowing if gusts persist.
The storm was welcome during a drought. April was warmer than usual and short on precipitation, with Denver missing an inch of rain (2.5 centimeters) and 2.8 inches of snow (7 centimeters) compared to normal. For some farmers, the snow provided an opportunity. Adam Jones, who runs Unsung Family Farms in Longmont, told KMGH-TV that he had planted carrot seeds days earlier to take advantage of the moisture. “You can’t get as even distribution with driplines or sprinklers,” he said. “There’s nothing like starting seeds with snow or water.” Jones had to move more weather-sensitive crops inside, using a heater to keep them warm.
Severe Weather Elsewhere
The unsettled weather is not limited to the Rockies. Severe thunderstorms with a risk of tornadoes were possible across the Southeast on Wednesday, with the strongest storms expected from Arkansas through Georgia.
