02/15/2023
Here we go again!
Nearly done with the "forecast" process with this storm as it is set to arrive later this evening and into tonight. Looking at the latest model and surface observation data coming in this evening - there will likely be one final forecast update later tonight. I may adjust snowfall up slightly along the Palmer Divide, but does it really matter 5-10" vs 6-12"...? Still a sizeable storm with pretty big impacts either way.
Messaging is still the same; Palmer Divide is the bullseye and especially areas East of I-25. Road closures and serious travel impacts are likely. Models continue to pull higher snowfall amounts Northward - but exactly how much makes it into Denver and where is still a question mark. The answer for now is: likely more than we anticipated.
Wind will be a problem East of I-25; blowing snow and sporadic power outages will be possible.
This shouldn't be news to anyone at this point, everyone should be prepared. Tomorrow's going to be a rough one for anyone traveling so stay home if you can. Snow looks likely through nearly the entire day and into tomorrow night before clearing late. May have some lingering impacts Thursday.
Graphic attached shows what's going on with the storm system over Utah (responsible for the snow we will get), the short-wave trough to our East (bringing the gusty winds we've seen this afternoon) and the short waves over Colorado at the moment (responsible for the clouds and a few showers) Keep in mind, the main storm system has still got a bit of time before it gets here. Once it sets up in Southeastern Colorado, that's when we will see the snow really start to crank.