Arctic air has swept into Colorado, bringing significant cold and snowfall across the state. This weather system is expected to last through at least Sunday morning, with temperatures remaining below freezing until Monday. Meteorologists are closely monitoring the situation as weather warnings and impacts become evident.
Snow Forecast and Impacts in Colorado
As flurries begin on Friday, they will intensify by Friday night, particularly on the eastern plains. Here, wind chills could plummet below zero degrees.
Expected Snow Accumulation
- Less than 0.1 inches of snow accumulation expected in Denver.
- Mountain areas forecast to receive between 4 to 12 inches of new snow, mainly along and south of Interstate 70.
Travelers should exercise caution as mountain roads may become slick by sunset on Friday.
Emergency Measures and Shelter Openings
In response to the extreme cold, the City of Denver has implemented several emergency measures. An emergency cold weather shelter has opened at a former DoubleTree hotel. This decision comes despite initial objections from city council members.
Emergency Shelter Details
- City officials expanded cold weather shelter capacity due to plunging temperatures.
- Wind chill values may reach 20 degrees below zero.
- All shelter sites are pet-friendly and provide basic amenities.
Rest areas include:
- Men’s Shelter: Denver Rescue Mission, 2222 Lawrence St.
- Women’s Shelter: Samaritan House, 2301 Lawrence St.
- Youth Shelter: Urban Peak, 1630 S. Acoma St.
- Family Shelter: Inn at the Highland, 2601 Zuni St.
Closures and Service Delays
Due to the ongoing extreme temperatures, the Denver Zoo has announced its closure until at least Saturday. Animals will remain indoors for their safety during this cold snap.
Additionally, Air Care Colorado Stations will delay operations by at least two hours. Stations will close when temperatures drop below 15 degrees, which is forecasted for Thursday morning.
For continuous updates on the weather and associated impacts, residents are encouraged to stay informed through El-Balad’s coverage.
