Coming storm could impact holiday travel plans

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Published Sunday, November 24, 2019
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by Chris Sorensen

Note: this article has been updated to reflect a winter storm warning replacing the winter storm watch for most areas.

A storm system coming into Colorado Monday night through Tuesday could disrupt holiday travel, particularly for northeast Colorado.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for most of northeast Colorado, with storm impacts expected to begin Monday night. Heavy snow is likely, and predicted to impact travel across the region, including southeast Wyoming, western Nebraska, and northwest Kansas as the storm moves west to east.

Northern Colorado mountains will be under a winter weather advisory.

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MAP Winter storm warning for much of northeast Colorado November 25-26, 2019 - NWS
Winter storm warning (shaded pink) for much of northeast Colorado November 25-26, 2019. Courtesy NWS

A foot of snow is expected from Interstate 70 to the north, with the potential for up to two feet in the northern foothills. Wind up to 30 miles per hour out of the north is also predicted, falling just short of blizzard conditions. Travel could become impossible in the Denver area, including to and from Denver International Airport.

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MAP Colorado projected snowfall totals for November 25-26, 2019 - NWS
Projected snowfall totals in Colorado for November 25-26, 2019. Courtesy NWS.

The NWS notes that snowfalls totals are still uncertain, but expects at least six inches over the northeast plains, while some areas may receive 8-14 inches.

Southeast Colorado will largely be spared from the heaviest snow. South of Interstate 70, only 1-4 inches are expected.

Temperatures are predicted to remain below freezing across eastern Colorado Tuesday.

In western Colorado, the storm's impacts will mainly be felt Monday, with 2-6 inches of snow forecast. While snow will reach western valleys, the greatest amounts are expected in mountain areas.

Travel conditions are expected to improve Wednesday, with snow potentially returning Thanksgiving Day and Friday.

Before traveling, check the latest road conditions at http://COTrip.org.

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