Timing, totals, impact of pre-Thanksgiving snowstorm in Colorado

DENVER (KDVR) — As millions hit the road or the skies this Thanksgiving, snow is moving into Colorado.

The holiday week starts with sunny skies and highs in the upper 40s on Monday, but wet weather could put a damper on travel plans.

The Pinpoint Weather team has been tracking this storm all week in order to keep you updated before you head out to see family and friends. A Pinpoint Weather Alert Day has been issued for Wednesday due to the growing snow totals in the high country and the travel impacts across the state.

Here is everything you need to know to be prepared for the snow.

Timing

If you are heading west, be prepared for a lot of snow.

Pinpoint Weather Meteorologist Travis Michels said snow will start falling in the high country early Tuesday morning and linger through midday Wednesday. Winter storm warnings are in effect for the mountains from 2 a.m. Tuesday through 12 a.m. on Thanksgiving.

If you are staying around the metro, Tuesday will be fairly clear, but snow moves in on Wednesday. Flakes will begin to fall early Wednesday morning and end by the afternoon.

Snow totals

This storm could bring some impressive snow totals to parts of Colorado.

The Pinpoint Weather team is still fine-tuning the totals as the forecast continues to adjust and the storm gets closer.

As of Monday morning, here are the estimated snow totals across Colorado by Wednesday night:

• Mountains: 10-24 inches, up to 36 inches locally
• Foothills: 2-5 inches
• Metro: 1-3 inches
• Palmer Divide: 2-4 inches

Be sure to keep up with the Pinpoint Weather team as the totals shift.

Impact

A Pinpoint Weather Alert Day has been issued for Wednesday due to this storm’s impact on travelers.

According to AAA, an estimated 79.9 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more for turkey day. With the added snow, roads may be slick and flights may be delayed.

Michels said snow in the mountains could become an issue on the roads by late Tuesday night and last through most of Wednesday. If you are traveling in the high country, make sure your car is winter-ready, and make sure you are up-to-date on chain and traction laws.

If you are staying in the Front Range, watch out for some slick spots Wednesday morning through midday. Michels said there will be some improvement by the afternoon as the storm exits Colorado.

Those traveling east along Interstate 70 will see little impact from the snow for once. Michels said there should be no problems.

The storm will be over by Thanksgiving, as sunny skies return and highs top out in the upper 30s.

This storm is still changing, so be sure to keep up with the latest forecast.

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