Snowstorm creating treacherous travel in Denver, Colorado Springs

A winterlike storm is unloading heavy snow and creating treacherous travel across the Front Range of the Rockies.

Denver and Colorado Springs had highs in the 50s on Wednesday, but temperatures plummeted to the lower 30s as snow fell on Wednesday night.

There were reports of 2-4 inches of snow on the ground in the Colorado Springs area by midnight Thursday. About 1-6 inches fell around the Denver metro area, but 6-10 inches had fallen in the Foothills and Palmer Divide by Wednesday night.

In higher elevations, over 19 inches were measured near the town of Genesee, while over 14 inches of snow fell around Kittredge.

Portions of Interstate 70 were shut down due to multiple spinouts in the snowy conditions late Wednesday, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.

By the time the snow winds down Thursday morning, an AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 16 inches is projected over the highest terrain.

A couple of inches of snow are forecast to fall on Pueblo, Colorado, with much heavier snow to the west.

Although the snow will be a boon to the ski industry, it will create slow to potentially dangerous travel conditions on portions of I-25, I-70 and I-80 before temperatures climb above freezing Thursday afternoon.

Videos posted to social media showed stranded motorists along Interstate 70 in Colorado near Evergreen Parkway.

Thursday morning's commute could prove to be quite treacherous, as untreated and unplowed roadways will be slippery and snow-covered. The Denver Police Department said despite the slippery conditions, only seven crashes were reported as of 6:45 a.m. local time, and most came before 2 a.m.

Officials at Denver International Airport said Thursday the airport received very little snow accumulation overnight, and operations were running as normal.

"As always, it's best to check with your airline to confirm your flight status and use caution when driving near the airport as some bridges and overpasses may be icy," the airport said on Twitter.

A slew of winter storm watches are in effect through Thursday morning in Colorado.

As the storm system dives farther south into late week, it will gather strength and tap into moisture being drawn northward from the western Gulf of Mexico.

Some may find it difficult to acclimate to the rapidly changing temperatures and may be sent scrambling for scarfs, hats and heavy coats before heading out the door on Thursday.

This satellite loop shows the snowstorm winding down over Colorado on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019. (Image/NOAA GOES East)

With a freeze-up in store Thursday night, people should be prepared for black ice, especially on untreated secondary roadways. Snow should be removed promptly as slush will freeze.

After the storm blankets Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo into Thursday morning, it is forecast continue to slide southward, bring a period of snow to portions of northeastern New Mexico and the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles.

It is possible enough snow falls to coat grassy areas and windshields.

Regardless of snowfall, overnight lows in many cities will be 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit lower by week's end than high temperatures on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Drier and warmer air should return in the wake of the system by the start of the weekend, helping to melt the snow and dry out roadways and interstates across the region.

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