Snowstorm Hits Denver: Travel Advisory Issued Ahead of Cold Weekend
Denver, CO – A winter storm is set to impact Colorado as snow arrives just in time for the evening commute, with harsh cold weather anticipated for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has issued a travel advisory, warning of hazardous conditions along the I-70 Mountain Corridor and in nearby foothills and plains.
Beginning Friday night, meteorologists predict significant snowfall—3 to 6 inches in the Denver metro area and up to 10 inches near the foothills—as a surge from the Polar Vortex drives temperatures down to below zero. CDOT anticipates heavy ski traffic, particularly along the I-70, and urges motorists to prepare for delays and icy spots on the roads.
The cold front will bring light snow showers and frigid temperatures, continuing into Saturday and potentially affecting road conditions throughout the weekend. Although warmer pavements may initially mitigate some icy conditions, freezing temperatures will quickly lead to slick surfaces as any melted snow refreezes.
Travelers should expect peak congestion on Friday evening, with a double peak traffic pattern expected over the weekend. CDOT recommends modifying travel plans to avoid busy times, checking forecasts on COtrip.org, and using Snowstang, a bus service offering discounted trips to major ski areas, if possible.
To manage traffic flow, CDOT will suspend construction and maintenance projects from Friday until Tuesday. With ski and recreational travel anticipated to remain high through mid-April, officials advise caution and preparedness for icy conditions drivers may face during this significant weather event.