Colorado hit by major snowstorm, forces flight cancellations and highway shutdowns

On the 14th of March 2024, Colorado was hit by a major winter storm that brought heavy snowfall, causing widespread disruption across the state. The storm, described as the most severe in years by Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, led to flight cancellations and the closure of a vital highway connecting Denver to Colorado's ski resorts.

Extreme Snow Accumulations

The storm, which began on the night of the 13th of March, brought slushy, wet snow, typical for the month of March, known as one of the snowiest months in Denver. It was predicted to persist until the morning of the 15th of March. The heaviest snow accumulations were expected in Colorado's Front Range region, particularly in the foothills and mountains west of Denver. The National Weather Service forecasted snowfall of 18 to 36 inches, with some areas expected to receive over 4 feet of snow.

Impact on Transportation

The extreme weather conditions led to the closure of major sections of Interstate 70 in the Colorado mountains, leaving numerous vehicles stranded on the highway for hours. Despite being beneficial to Colorado's ski industry, the storm forced the shutdown of at least one ski resort. The Colorado State Patrol urged motorists to stay home, warning that troopers were encountering challenges reaching stranded motorists.

Local Snowfall Statistics

Aspen Springs, located in the foothills west of Denver, reported snow accumulation of more than 3 feet by Thursday morning. The storm initially began as rain in the Denver area before transitioning into snow. Forecasts indicated that the area was likely to receive between 10 to 20 inches of snow, with up to 2 feet expected in the western suburbs. Although the snow briefly eased off in the morning, it was anticipated to intensify once more in the afternoon and evening.

Efforts to Mitigate Snow Impact

To address the snow accumulation, the city of Denver mobilized 36 residential plows from 3 a.m. on the 14th of March, with the aim of clearing streets to facilitate access to main roads. Denver International Airport remained open, but approximately 800 flights were canceled, and others experienced delays.

National Weather Events

The snowstorm in Colorado coincided with severe weather in other parts of the country. Kansas and Missouri experienced massive hailstorms and possible tornadoes the previous night, adding to the turbulent weather conditions across the United States.