Just when you thought spring had sprung, Mother Nature throws a curveball. A late-season snowstorm is barreling toward the central Rockies, threatening to blanket three U.S. states in up to a foot of snow tonight. Yes, you read that right—snow in May.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm advisory for parts of Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah, with the heaviest accumulations expected in the higher elevations. The Denver metro area, which was enjoying mild spring weather just days ago, could see 2 to 6 inches of the white stuff by Wednesday morning.
According to a report from ABC News, the storm is expected to hit Tuesday night and linger into Wednesday. Some areas in the Central Rocky Mountains, which have experienced a record-low snowpack this season, could see 1 to 2 feet of snow. That's a dramatic turnaround for a region that's been parched all winter.
For sports fans, this weather could throw a wrench into outdoor activities. If you were planning a round of golf or a spring training session, you might want to check the forecast first. Speaking of golf, Nick Saban's golf swing video sparks doubt over his Augusta National score—but at least he's not dealing with snow on the fairway.
Driving conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly as the storm moves in. The National Weather Service has shared several safety tips for anyone caught in the snow. First and foremost: slow down. Accelerate and decelerate gently to avoid skidding on icy roads. Increase your following distance to five or six seconds to give yourself extra stopping room.
Know your brakes—whether you have antilock brakes or not, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and apply firm, steady pressure. If you can avoid coming to a complete stop, do it; getting moving from a standstill on snow is much harder than rolling through. And whatever you do, don't power up hills. Build momentum on flat ground before climbing, and then let inertia carry you to the top.
This storm is a stark reminder that spring weather can be unpredictable. Just last week, 6 states braced for frost as temperatures plunged, and now we're talking snow. It's a wild ride for the Rockies, but with a little preparation, everyone can stay safe.
Stay tuned to Sports Central News for updates on how this storm might affect upcoming events. And if you're in the affected areas, bundle up—May is about to feel a whole lot like January.
