High Impact Snowstorm Will Begin Moving Into Colorado On Sunday
By Chris Spears
DENVER (CBS4) - The big storm we've been talking about for the past few days is finally moving on shore today and it will make a quick dive down the West Coast and into southern California over the next 24 hours.
It will then make a trek through the Four Corners and be positioned somewhere near southeast Colorado by Monday night.
This storm will bring an ample supply of water as it taps into a flow of moisture originating over 3,000 miles away near Hawaii.
POTENTIAL SNOW TOTALS
Some snow will fall Saturday and Saturday night behind a cold front that will cross the state. Then more snow is expected from the main storm system coming in on Sunday and Sunday night.
- Mountains - widespread snow associated with this storm will spread in from the south and west starting early Sunday with totals of 12-24" likely by Monday night
- Foothills - snow from this storm will begin sometime late Sunday and it could last through early Tuesday with a high potential to see totals in the 12-20" range on average but there will likely be those usual spots that see more
- Denver and the eastern plains - snow should Sunday afternoon and it will last well into Monday and even part of Tuesday with a good chance to see 6 to 12" of snow in the metro area and 8 to 14" near and above 6,000 feet.
HIGH IMPACT TO TRAVEL LIKELY
In addition to the potential for moderate to heavy snow totals, the wind and cold will also be a significant story.
Very cold air will usher into Colorado during the day on Sunday with temperatures early next week struggling into the teens and 20s for most locations.
In addition strong northerly winds will create areas of blowing and drifting snow.
There is even a chance that we could see near blizzard or blizzard conditions on the eastern plains of Colorado late Monday into Tuesday as this storm pulls away and continues to gain strength.
Frontier Airlines is already offering travel waivers for anyone who is flying between now and Tuesday.
Stay with CBS4 and Colorado's Weather Center for the latest forecast information as we track this storm.
Watch the latest forecast from Colorado's Weather Center:
Meteorologist Chris Spears writes about stories related to weather and climate in Colorado. Check out his bio, connect with him on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @ChrisCBS4.
