On Wednesday, Jan. 4, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for most of Northern Colorado. Going into Thursday, the alert has been canceled for some Front Range counties, but southern and mountain communities continue to see large accumulations. Temperatures are expected to stay in the single digits for most of Thursday, with a drop below zero after dark.
Editor's Note: As conditions can change dramatically and unpredictably in severe weather situations, this story will be updated frequently to reflect the latest developments.
Travel advisories and road closures
Denver International Airport has issued a travel advisory for Jan. 5, noting that snowfall is expected to continue until noon. Over 140 flights have been canceled. DIA advises travelers to contact airlines directly about delays, cancelations and change-fee waivers. Denver-based Frontier Airlines has preemptively canceled many flights.
Road conditions can be monitored from the Colorado Department of Transportation's map. Many roads are currently snowy with icy spots. Motorists are encouraged to drive carefully. Traction and chain laws are in effect for areas of I-70, US 24, US 50, US 160, US 285 and US 550, as well as along many county roads in the mountains.
Road closures and traffic alerts:
- Heavy traffic reported on I-70 westbound from El Rancho to Idaho Springs.
- US 50 westbound/eastbound between milemarker 190 - 210 is closed due to avalanche control work as of Jan. 5.
- Accident reported on I-25 southbound/northbound at Stratmoor Hills. Traffic is blocked in two lanes.
- Accident reported on I-70 eastbound at Palisade. CDOT urges caution.
- US 50 westbound/eastbound at Monarch pass closed due to avalanche control work.
- US 160 westbound/eastbound at Wolf Creek closed due to avalanche concerns.
- US 550 southbound/northbound at Red Mountain Pass closed due to adverse conditions.
Closures
Many schools have not gone back in session from the winter break, but administration offices may be closed or have a delayed opening due to the weather.
The following delays and closures have been announced:
- Adams 12 Five Star Schools - closed Jan. 5
- Adams County School District 14 - closed Jan. 5
- Adams County School District 50 - closed Jan. 5
- Aurora Public Schools - closed Jan. 5
- Bennett School District - closed Jan. 5
- Boulder Valley School District - closed Jan. 5
- Brighton School District - closed Jan. 5
- Byers School District - closed Jan. 5
- Cherry Creek School District - closed Jan. 5
- Deer Trail School District - closed Jan. 5
- Douglas County School District - closed Jan. 5
- Englewood School District - closed Jan. 5
- Estes Park School District - closed Jan. 5
- Johnson & Wales University - closed Jan. 5
- Littleton Public Schools - closed Jan. 5
- Mapleton Public Schools - closed Jan. 5
- Pawnee School District - closed Jan. 5
- Platte Canyon School District - closed Jan. 5
- Sheridan School District - closed Jan. 5
- St. Vrain Valley School District - closed Jan. 5
- Strasburg School District - closed Jan. 5
- Thompson School District - closed Jan. 5
- Weld County School District RE-10J - closed Jan. 5
- Weld County School District RE-4 - closed Jan. 5
- Weld County School District RE-5J - closed Jan. 5
- Westminster Public School - closed Jan. 5
Some government offices -- state and local -- will be closed or opening later than usual due to the weather.
- City of Boulder offices - closed Jan. 5
- Boulder County offices - closed Jan. 5
[Last updated Jan. 5, 12:05 p.m. MST]