2:15 PM MDT, Tuesday, April 9, 2019

The impacts of the storm will be greatest out in the northern Great Plains states, but there will also be big changes tomorrow here along the Front Range. The storm will feature rain, some localized thunderstorms (possibly with small hail), snow of varying intensity, and strong north winds. The cold front will likely move through in the morning, and the best chance for snow beginning in the urban corridor is in the early to mid afternoon after some rain. Snow will likely begin affecting the high elevations and Cheyenne in the late morning to early afternoon. Wind and precipitation should let up during the night (before Thursday morning).

Snow Accumulations:

Above 7000 feet:

5-15 inches, heaviest above 8500 feet and north of I-70.

Lower foothills and urban corridor:

Most likely: 2-6 inches, perhaps in bursts with strong north winds, metro Denver to Fort Collins (probably less in Colorado Springs and at least 5 in Cheyenne)

~10% chance of 6-10 inches (this small chance is based on the storm being a little farther southwest resulting in more northeasterly flow and snow lasting well into the night)

~10% chance of little or nothing

High Plains:

Most likely 3-8 inches on the plains east of Denver with blowing snow Wednesday evening.

Impacts:

Flight disruptions at DIA Wednesday and some winter travel conditions on the roads, especially in the mountains north of I-70, east of Denver on I-76 and I-70, and I-25 from Fort Collins to Cheyenne.

Getting around should be fine Thursday morning unless you are in the far northeastern plains of Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, or Minnesota.

Thursday to Saturday

This change to cold won’t move on very quickly.  A relatively cool period will continue, with some more chances for light precipitation Friday or Saturday before mild weather returns Sunday.