Dozens of schools and businesses across the Denver metro area announced closures and delays on Friday as heavy snow blanketed Colorado, impacting local travel and education.
The Douglas County School District, Jeffco Public Schools, Lewis Palmer District 38, and the Rocky Mountain Deaf School were among those closing for the day, joining others like Colorado Early College and Regis University. Meanwhile, districts like Aurora Public Schools and Cherry Creek School District announced delays for Friday morning classes.
The 9NEWS Weather Impact Team issued several weather alerts, including one for the Denver metro area due to the expected snowfall. A Winter Weather Advisory is set to remain active through 8 a.m. Friday, warning residents of hazardous travel conditions, with snow projections ranging from 2 to 5 inches across the Front Range.
Heavier snowfall is anticipated for the foothills west and south of Denver, where accumulations could reach up to 6 inches. Officials from Denver7 reported, "The steadiest and heaviest snow will fall overnight... with the snow ending by mid-morning on Friday," impacting the Friday commute significantly.
Commuters anticipated slick roads, leading authorities to encourage caution. Denver7's Traffic Expert Jayson Luber warned viewers, saying, "Expect challenging road conditions wherever you are headed this morning." This is particularly pressing as multiple accidents started to pile up due to the winter weather, creating dangerous travel situations across the area.
Denver International Airport (DIA) reported about 69 delays this morning, with departures affected by snow, averaging delays of 26 minutes. Local traffic reports illustrated the difficulties faced with several crashes along major routes, such as I-70 and the 6th Avenue corridor.
Schools quickly reacted to shifting weather patterns, with Douglas County School District officially announcing, "Classes will be cancelled Friday due to winter weather conditions." Other institutions also modified their schedules, opting for delayed starts to give snowplows time to clear roads.
By detailing these actions, it’s clear how significantly the winter weather impacted both education and transportation within the Denver metro area. Each district and government body prioritized student safety and public awareness during the challenging conditions. Schools across multiple districts, including Littleton and Regis, made announcements for delayed openings or closings well before the actual storm hit to keep families informed.
A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for areas such as Jefferson, Douglas, Gilpin, Clear Creek, and Park Counties, where forecast models indicated up to three additional inches of snow could accumulate. The weather forecast suggests conditions should gradually improve through the day with much warmer temperatures expected to return by the weekend.
Vienna’s temperatures will rise substantially, promising melting conditions after Friday's snow clears, ensuring safer travels for the weekend’s activities. Community members are reminded to remain vigilant and heed updates from local news stations and agencies as the day progresses. Both temperature changes and any updates to travel advisories can shift quickly.
For those affected by the closures or struggling with travel due to adverse weather, local news stations have been actively updating conditions. Denver7 included links to important resources, including closing lists and live weather updates, encouraging residents to stay informed during winter disruptions.
If you have photos or videos of the snow conditions, you can share them via the 9NEWS app. Viewers are encouraged to utilize options available for sharing firsthand perspectives of the storm and its impact on daily life.
Given the reactive measures from schools and the constant monitoring of travel conditions, community safety remains the priority as the Denver area prepares for continued winter weather challenges. The Denver metro area is expected to recover quickly after this storm passes, resuming normal operations and classes as soon as conditions permit. Residents are urged to stay warm, prepared, and aware of their surroundings during the winter weather.