A spring storm is delivering heavy May snow across Colorado’s Front Range. Denver, Boulder and Fort Collins are watching inches pile up, schools are weighing closures, and utilities are braced for this unusual late-season weather. Here are the key questions people ask when a storm like this hits—and clear, practical answers to help you plan your day.
Forecasts point to several inches of heavy, wet snow, with some models suggesting a possible foot before the storm weakens this afternoon. Expect rapidly changing conditions, road slickness, and the potential for localized heavier bands. Check local advisories and road conditions before you head out.
Several districts have canceled or delayed classes as the storm rolls through the region. If schools are closed or delayed, parents should plan for child care or remote learning options where available. Stay tuned to district announcements and local news for the latest timetable changes.
Utilities are monitoring the system as temperatures are set to rise later in the week. The snow can create stress on power lines and cause outages in some neighborhoods. Travel will be impacted by slick roads; if you must drive, allow extra time, reduce speed, and keep emergency supplies in the car.
Temperatures are expected to rebound later in the week, which should improve road conditions and reduce travel hazards. As it warms up, melting snow can lead to localized flooding risks in low-lying areas. Repair crews may have to respond to weather-related damage, so crews could be tied up with storms elsewhere as well.
Meteorologists note a late-season snow event after a warm, dry April. While a one-off storm is not a drought-ending event, this snow adds water to reservoirs and helps alleviate some drought pressures. It’s part of the broader variability seen in spring across the Rocky Mountains.
Keep an emergency kit in your car (warm clothes, water, snacks, a flashlight). Charge devices, have a weather app set to alert you, and store essential supplies at home in case of outages or school closures. Clear driveways safely and avoid unnecessary travel during heavy snowfall.
People in Colorado and Wyoming are getting out their snow shovels ahead of a late-spring storm that could bring Denver’s biggest snowfall of the season