Winter Storm Warning for 4 States—’Historic’ Snowfall To Paralyze Traffic

A powerful winter storm system is sweeping across parts of the southwestern United States on Friday, with the National Weather Service warning of “historic” snowfall in areas.
Winter storm warnings have been issued in Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, with up to 24 inches of snow forecast in the Coloradan mountains.
The NWS has warned that the poor conditions will make travel impossible in parts, with “life-threatening conditions” on the roads.
Much of the eastern half of Colorado is under winter storm warnings until Saturday morning. This includes the cities of Denver, Boulder and Castle Rock.
The NWS said that Colorado can expect “historic snowfall,” with up to 20 inches of snow forecast in the cities of Matheson, Agate, Hugo and Limon, and winds gusting as fast as 40 mph.
Meanwhile, Denver can expect up to 16 inches of snow, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains are forecast to receive up to 24 inches.
Coloradans have been warned that travel could be impossible, and have been urged to prepare for any essential journeys.
“Travel will be impossible on almost all roads. Do not travel. Life threatening conditions will exist,” the NWS said in its warning covering the town of Limon.
“If you absolutely must travel, take a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. Also take water, food, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded. Be prepared to be stranded for a long duration.”
Airports across the region are also bracing for delays and cancellations, with Denver International Airport already reporting some disruptions.
New Mexico is under a winter storm warning until 11 a.m. MST on Saturday, and is forecast to receive moderate to heavy snowfall in parts.
Snowfall is expected to hit areas including the Espanola Valley, Jemez Mountains, Santa Fe Metro Area, Estancia Valley, Central Highlands, Guadalupe County, and Eastern Lincoln County.
“Plan on snow packed or icy road conditions. The hazardous conditions will impact the Friday morning commute,” the NWS said.
“The weight of wet snow on trees will result in downed branches that can fall on power lines. Expect isolated power outages and damage to vulnerable structures.”
In Texas and Oklahoma, heavy wet snow and winds gusting as fast as 35mph are forecast to hit Dallam and Cimarron counties until 6 p.m. CST on Friday.
Additional snow accumulations of up to 10 inches are expected, with final snowfall totals potentially exceeding two feet by Friday night.
Cities affected will include Boise City, Ware, Dalhart, Conlen and Keyes.
“Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday
morning and evening commutes,” the NWS said.