Winter Storm Watch Possible Upgrade to Warning as Snow, Rain, Freezing Temperatures Saturate Colorado

Due to the threat of significant snowfall, rain, and freezing temperatures, the Winter Storm Watch issued over Colorado may be upgraded to a Warning.

A moisture-rich spring storm is approaching Colorado, and the forecast calls for inches of rain in both the Interstate 25 corridor and Fort Collins, and feet of snow in the mountains and foothills.

Winter Storm Watch

Conditions are favorable for a significant occurrence from Tuesday morning until Wednesday night, according to a Winter Storm Watch. This will likely be upgraded to a winter storm warning as the significant storm approaches.

According to the National Weather Service, affected regions include the Front Range foothills and mountains west of Fort Collins. This includes Cameron Peak and the Rocky Mountain National Park.

Storm and Travel

Heavy snow is predicted to start early on Tuesday afternoon in the mountain ranges or foothills and last through early on Wednesday morning. On those roads and highways, expect hazardous driving conditions during this time.

I25 Corridor for Fort Collins, from Tuesday afternoon to noon on Wednesday. Rain chances range from 90% to 100% from Wednesday morning through the afternoon, when thunderstorms are possible. Lows on Tuesday night will be around 32 degrees, which will establish whether or not snow falls. The morning commute on Wednesday might be slushy in some areas.

Snow Accumulations

A large chunk of the northern mountains as well as higher foothill elevations are expected to receive 1 to 2 feet of snow, possibly even more.

During peak hours, rates of two inches of snowfall per hour are possible.

Larimer County's higher elevations are expected to get 18 to 30 inches, or more than 2 feet, of snow.

As Tuesday evening draws near, the snowfall line will descend to a lower elevation, but there is more uncertainty regarding snowfall amounts in the lower foothills.

Red Feather Lakes is expected to get 6 to 12 inches of snow accumulation, Estes Park is around 5 to 13 inches, Berthoud Pass will get 20 to 30 inches, Rabbit Ears Pass expects 8 to 12 inches, Steamboat Springs could get trace amounts of snow to 4 inches, Winter Park is under threat of 12 to 24 inches of snow, Idaho Springs snow accumulation could reach 10 to 20 inches, Georgetown will be looking at 15 to 25 inches, Eisenhower Tunnel expects 20 to 30 inches, and Vail Pass might see 12 to 24 inches of snow.

Also Read: Mid-Atlantic States Severe Weather May Bring Thunderstorms, Damaging Winds, Hail, Tornado and Flood 

Fort Collins Weather and Health

Rain is all that is predicted for Fort Collins on Monday morning. However, because the city is situated in an oval, Tuesday night's rain could change to snow. That seems more likely, though, south of Denver.

Half to 2 inches of rain are anticipated along the I-25 corridor, with some locally denser amounts possible. Near Denver, the majority of lower amounts are anticipated, the Coloradoan reports.

Air Quality levels are rated as Fair in Fort Collins today, Monday. This rating is due to the Fair rating of fine particulate matter, ground-level ozone, and particulate matter.

AccuWeather also says that dust and dander are at high levels today, while tree pollen is at moderate levels. Experts advise that affected individuals take proper precautions and medication to avoid discomfort.

Triggers for arthritis and the common cold are at high levels today, while sinus pressure and flu are at moderate levels.

Related Article: Hazardous Weather Outlook Starts in Cincinnati as Frost, Thunderstorms Drop Lows to Near Freezing This Weekend