A late spring snowstorm swept across Colorado on Wednesday, closing schools, delaying flights, and creating hazardous conditions for commuters. The storm, which moved from the Rocky Mountains to the High Plains, was expected to weaken by the afternoon but brought heavy, wet snow to higher elevations.
The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning through the afternoon, predicting an additional 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimetres) of snow in Fort Collins, Boulder, the Denver metro area, and Castle Rock. The weather service noted that roads would be slick during heavier showers but that accumulations would melt quickly in lower elevations.
Jamestown, a small mountain town near Boulder, recorded 16.3 inches (41.4 centimetres) of snow by early Wednesday, while Estes Park reported 17 inches (43 centimetres) as of Tuesday night. Boulder received nearly 6 inches (15 centimetres), prompting city officials to warn residents about downed trees and branches.
Denver faced its biggest snowfall of the season, with Denver International Airport recording 3.7 inches (9.3 centimetres) by 2 a.m. and experiencing delays and cancellations. Temperatures dropped to the low 30s Fahrenheit, activating the city's cold weather shelter plan. Warmer weather is expected to return on Thursday.
The state's largest school district, Denver Public Schools, along with other major districts and colleges, cancelled classes on Wednesday. Despite the storm, thousands attended a David Guetta concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Tuesday night, with the start time moved up to allow fans to get home before the worst weather.
The storm also forced the Colorado Rockies to reschedule two games against the New York Mets. For some farmers, the snow was beneficial; Adam Jones of Unsung Family Farms in Longmont planted carrot seeds to take advantage of the moisture, though he moved sensitive crops indoors. The storm comes after a warmer and drier April, with Denver missing an inch of rain and 2.8 inches of snow compared to normal.
