Winter may still be months away, but Colorado's recent weather is making it seem much closer.
Extremely cold temperatures, heavy snow, freezing rain, and ice brought an early taste of winter to parts of the mountainous state from Tuesday evening into Wednesday, dropping more than a foot of fresh powder.
Adding to the snow totals, the flakes are set to keep falling in the high country through Thursday afternoon, with snowfall expected to taper off along the Front Range in the early afternoon hours of Wednesday.
Here's how much snow to expect:
The San Juan Mountains could see another 6 to 12 inches of snow above 8,000 feet by Thursday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
South Park, the Southern Front Range Foothills, the Northern Front Range Foothills, the mountains of Summit County, the Mosquito Range, and the Indian Peaks and Palmer Divide including Castle Rock, Elbert, and Larkspur could receive additional snow accumulations of up to 3 inches by Wednesday afternoon.
High country flakes continuing through midnight tonight could bring another 3 to 6 inches to the Sangre de Cristo Range and Wet Mountains, as well as Central Fremont county.
Another 2 inches of snow is expected for the San Luis Valley, Huerfano, and western Las Animas Counties including Walsenburg and Trinidad, Chaffee, Lake, Northern Fremont, Teller, and northern El Paso counties.
Additional snow accumulations of 2 to 5 inches can also be expected in the La Garita Mountains.
Freezing drizzle will also be added to the mix, with pockets of snow, sleet, and freezing rain possible over the I-25 corridor and far eastern plains.
Here's a look at the latest winter storm warnings, winter weather advisories, and freeze warnings.
Winter Storm Warnings
La Garita Mountains, San Luis Valley, Teller, and Northern El Paso County through 12:00 p.m. Wednesday
Sange de Cristo and Wet Mountains, Wet Mountain Valley through 12:00 a.m. on Thursday
Eastern San Juan Mountains through 12:00 p.m. on Thursday
Winter Weather Advisories
Southern I-25 Corridor through 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday
Freeze Warnings
San Luis Valley and I-25 Corridor through 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday
Temperatures are expected to fall near or below freezing over the San Luis Valley and the I-25 corridor on Thursday morning.
While it's a little unusual to get snow this early in the season, it is not unprecedented.
According to a series of tweets from the NWS, the early season storm brought heavy snow to several parts of the state, including Berthoud Pass.
Expect icy and snowpacked conditions in the mountains. Lower elevations: roads mainly wet but icy and slushy spots over bridges.#cowx pic.twitter.com/3Vr3zKJk9r
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) September 9, 2020
Lots of snowy pictures coming in from our mountains. Here's the CDOT camera on Highway 50 just east of Salida at 920 AM Wed Sept 9th. You can keep tabs on road conditions and webcams at https://t.co/QJCAoKzuin #cowx pic.twitter.com/8bWs9sTbCm
— NWS Pueblo (@NWSPueblo) September 9, 2020
Here are five spots where the most snow has fallen in the past 24 hours.
1. Westcliffe – 14 inches
2. Alamosa – 14 inches
3. San Isabel – 12.3 inches
4. Maysville – 11.9 inches
5. Leadville - 10.8 inches
Click here to see totals for the entire state.
The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) blamed the early "Pumpkin Spice" season for the September snowfall while issuing a reminder to prepare for safe winter driving.
Now is a great reminder of being prepared for changing conditions. Check your tire tread, have an emergency kit in your car, and slow down in bad weather! #cowx pic.twitter.com/x1ORY3LbOx
— Colorado State Patrol (@CSP_News) September 8, 2020
CDOT also warned drivers to "be prepared for variable road conditions, especially in Colorado's mountainous high country." Several chain and traction laws are currently in place.
CMV CHAIN LAWS & PASSENGER VEHICLE TRACTION LAWS
— CSP Golden (@csp_golden) September 9, 2020
in effect throughout Jefferson and Clear Creek Counties
I-70 from Golden to Eisenhower Tunnel
US 6 Loveland Pass
US 285 Morrison to Pine Junction
CMV's-DO NOT Wait Out The Storm in Chain Stations
CSP Strictly Enforcing S1 pic.twitter.com/CYiqbSsOOf
In other news around the state, the cold blast of temperatures and heavy snow is helping to slow the 102,586-acre Cameron Peak Fire. See an update on that here.
Editor's Note: All weather statements are subject to change. Snow-packed roads and icy conditions are expected across the high country. Remember to take it slow and drive safe!
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