Watch CBS News

Heavy Snow Weighs Down, Snaps Tree Branches

DENVER (CBS4) - As soon as heavy wet snow began piling up in Wednesday's blizzard, tree branches across the metro area started dropping and causing power outages.

"It sounded like somebody had fallen in my bathtub upstairs or you know like something big had crashed," said homeowner Laura Osborne.

She found a big piece of her neighbor's tree in her front yard, narrowing avoiding damage to her home.

"I just broke a bunch of branches so I could get to my front door," Osborne said.

Others weren't so lucky, as a number of vehicles parked on Denver's side streets under massive trees took a direct hit.

downed trees1
(credit: CBS)

Major roadways were blocked by downed branches and power lines knocked out.

Xcel Energy said at the height of this blizzard, some 290,000 customers were impacted.

tree branch power line
(credit: CBS)

Despite the mess that many are now left with, their outlook was exactly what you'd expect from Coloradans:

"I'm hoping the sun will come out tomorrow and we'll be all good."

"Should be good skiing this weekend."

downed trees2
(credit: CBS)

Homeowners are responsible for cleanup of tree debris on their property and from any public right-of-way in front of their property. It should be removed within 24 hours, and the city recommends you hire a licensed contractor.

If it is an emergency, the city can help but the owner picks up the cost.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.