As spring teases Denverites with warmer temperatures, the city is bracing for a significant snowstorm that promises to blanket the Mile High City and surrounding areas with several inches of snow. Scheduled to hit Wednesday night and persist through Friday morning, the impending storm has prompted warnings from meteorologists and preparations from local authorities.
According to National Weather Service meteorologist Zach Hiris, the storm will begin with a mix of rain and snow on Wednesday morning before transitioning to heavy snowfall by Wednesday night. The bulk of the snow is expected to fall on Thursday, with potentially double-digit accumulations in downtown Denver and surrounding regions. Even areas further east and north can anticipate significant snowfall totals, making for treacherous road conditions and a challenging commute.
Greg Heavener, a NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologist, notes that the second and third weeks of March are historically prone to major weather events in Colorado. Drawing parallels to past storms, Heavener warns that the upcoming snowfall could disrupt daily life and advises residents to prepare accordingly.
While the prospect of a major snowstorm may evoke frustration among some residents, forecasters at the NWS are gearing up for the challenge. For them, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate their forecasting prowess and ensure public safety amid adverse weather conditions.
In anticipation of the storm, the city of Denver is taking proactive measures to assist residents in need. Overnight shelters and warming centers will be activated to provide refuge for those seeking shelter from the cold. The McNichols Civic Center Building and Stone Creek shelter will be open from Wednesday evening to Saturday morning, offering a safe haven for individuals and their pets. Additionally, daytime warming centers will be available at operating recreation centers throughout Thursday and Friday, equipped with essential amenities and services to provide respite from the cold.
As Denverites brace for the wintry onslaught, officials urge residents to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel during the storm. With road closures and hazardous driving conditions expected, preparedness and patience will be key in weathering the snowy onslaught.
While the arrival of spring may be delayed by this late-season snowstorm, the resilience of Denverites shines through as they adapt to the whims of Colorado weather, ever ready to face whatever Mother Nature throws their way.
