Just when you thought spring had finally arrived, Mother Nature has other plans. The National Weather Service has issued a stark warning about a significant snowstorm that's about to slam parts of the United States, specifically Colorado and Wyoming, in what feels like a cruel twist of seasonal fate.
Heavy Snow Expected in the Rockies
According to multiple reports, the Denver metropolitan area could see between 2 and 6 inches of snow, but it's the higher elevations that are really in for a walloping. Winter storm warnings remain in effect until noon Wednesday, with forecasts calling for 10 to 18 inches of accumulation above 9,000 feet, particularly on the northern and eastern sides of the mountain ranges.
“With these outdoor conditions, it could be dangerous for those who get caught up, including hunters, hikers, and snowmobiles can be disorientated and lost due to low visibility in the following and blowing snow,” reported KKCO 11 News.
A Late-Season Surprise
The National Weather Service has updated its forecast, and the numbers are staggering: up to 36 inches of snow in the mountains. That's three feet of the white stuff in May. This heavy snowfall isn't just a nuisance—it's a legitimate hazard that could cause power outages and create treacherous travel conditions across the region.
If you're planning to drive through these areas, the National Weather Service has some critical safety advice. First and foremost: slow down. Even if the roads just look wet, they could still be slick. More than 5,000 fatalities occur on the roadways each year due to weather conditions.
Make sure your vehicle is completely clear of ice or snow before starting your trip. Flying snow from cars causes accidents. Let someone know where you're going and what route you'll take. If something happens, this person will know where to start a search. Don't leave the house without a fully charged mobile phone, car charger, and an emergency supplies kit in your car.
If you begin to skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the gas, and turn your wheels in the direction you want the front of the car to go. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump the brakes on an ABS equipped vehicle. If you're having trouble seeing due to weather conditions, pull over to the side of the road and stop your car until visibility improves. Turn off your lights and use your parking brake when stopped so that another car won't mistakenly follow your tail/brake lights and end up hitting you.
This winter weather alert comes on the heels of other recent warnings, including a federal kayak warning after a tragic Potomac death and beach hazard warnings for rip currents and sneaker waves in four states. It's a reminder that nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Stay safe, everyone. Spring will eventually get here—we promise.
