Thread by @BianchiWeather

A significant Denver-area snowstorm is likely Wednesday-Friday, with the worst likely Wed. PM-Thursday.

However, there are still lots of questions around snow totals, and this remains one of the strangest Front Range big storm setups in recent memory.

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#9wx #COwx

A cutoff upper-level low will push south on Wednesday, spinning over southern Nevada. Meanwhile, a surface low sets up over SE Colorado late Wednesday, drawing up moisture.

The upper-level low won’t move much through early Friday, setting up a long rain-to-snow event.

#COwx

A significant 6”+ snowstorm remains likely for most of the Denver area Wednesday-Friday.

Highest totals likely above 6k feet west/south of Denver, where 20"+ snow is possible.

Honestly: I take back 10"+ for Denver. 6"+ is a good starting point (similar impacts, tho).

#COwx

Timing: The storm likely starts as rain on Wednesday for lower elevations, including Denver. It’ll flip from rain to snow on Wednesday night or Thursday morning.

Heaviest snow: Wed. PM-Thurs AM (perhaps all day?). Snow likely doesn’t end until Friday morning.

#COwx

Why this could bust:

1) This is a very unusual setup for a big Denver snow, with upper level dynamics so far away.

2) How much rain falls? Will it coincide with the heaviest precip Wed. PM/Thu. AM?

3) Seasonal trend for storms to fizzle 24-36 hours before onset.

#COwx

Storms falling apart! Yes, storms have seemingly fallen apart 24-36 hours before a storm several times this season.

But: We haven’t had this strong or clear of a signal this year.

Still worth considering, though that’s likely more coincidence than science.

#COwx

Airport: Expect big impacts to @DENAirport this week.

If you’re flying Wednesday: earlier the better.

Thursday: Probably rough, with lots of cancellations likely.

Friday will likely have residual delays/issues.

#COwx

Schools: Cancellations possible (likely?) Thursday and Friday, especially in the foothills. I’d guess most of the Denver area sees cancellations too, esp if we’re 10-12”+.

Reminder: I’m a meteorologist, not a school superintendent. Just a guess!

#COwx

Power outages: With 1-2 feet of heavy, wet snow possible in the foothills, some power outages are possible there.

A higher-end storm could bring that into play in Denver, but not too worried about that yet for lower elevations.

#COwx

Takeaways:

1) Significant 6”+ snowstorm remains on track for the Denver area for Wednesday-Friday, with 1-2 feet likely in the foothills/south.

2) Still lots of uncertainty around temps/setup.

3) More tomorrow, including fancy maps + city-by-city probabilities.

#COwx