As the latest forecasts continue to intensify and project that parts of the Denver metro will receive up to 2 feet of snow over the weekend, Gov. Jared Polis and other state officials are encouraging Coloradans to stay home and stay safe this weekend.

Denver weather: Major weekend storm on track with up to 15 to 25 inches of snow possible

Throughout Colorado’s urban corridor that extends from the Wyoming state line to the Palmer Divide, there are estimates of 18 to 24 inches of snow that will begin late Friday afternoon and continue into the early hours Monday, said Lisa Kriederman, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Boulder.

Western and southwestern Denver are expected to be the most impacted areas as two to four feet of snow are possible in some areas, Kriederman said.  

A Winter Storm Warning was issued for much of the urban corridor on Thursday and goes into effect midnight Friday until 6 a.m. Monday.

“If you can stay safe in your home or another location, especially during the peak of the storm, please do so,” said Shoshana Lew, the executive director of The Colorado Department of Transportation, during a press conference with fellow state leaders Thursday afternoon. 

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“It gives our crews greater ability to do their jobs, keep essential travel possible for as long as possible, and return our state roadways to normal as safely, and as quickly as possible.”

CDOT officials are deploying plows traditionally used throughout the western, mountainous portions of the state and along the I-70 corridor into the city to assist with plowing efforts. These crews will continuously work around the clock until the lasting impact of the storm is gone. 

Big and residential plows in Denver will start being deployed at 3 p.m. Friday, said Heather Burke, a public information officer for Denver’s Department of Transportation & Infrastructure. 

Plowing efforts will focus on major highways such as I-70, Interstate 25 and Interstate 76, said John Lorme, Maintenance and Operations Director for CDOT. 

“By prioritizing roads, we’re better able to maintain lifes and safety issues along our interstates,” Lorme said. 

As a result of this weekend’s impending storm, many vaccination clinics and community testing sites have already canceled and organizers are in the process of rescheduling appointments.

Agencies across metro area urge residents to stay home this weekend, give tips if you have to travel

“We are contacting everyone who has an appointment this weekend to rescheduled their vaccinations to clinics next week,” said Cary Vogrin, a spokesperson for UCHealth.

Polis said unlike last month’s storm that brought over a foot of snow with unseasonably cold temperatures, the state isn’t expecting any delays for next week’s COVID-19 vaccine shipments.

Despite the closures and many state leaders urging residents to limit only essential travel during the storm, Colorado State Patrol Chief Matthew Packard issued some safety tips for those who need to travel.

“Please take time before the storm to make sure your vehicle is properly equipped, make sure your tires are up to the task and have minimum tread depth of 3/16th of an inch, make sure your wipers are in good working order, washing fluid is full, your battery is charged and ready to go,” Packard said.

“Of course a 4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle would be best, but I would ask you to consider including tire chains or other alternative traction devices.”

Packard also echoed AAA’s statement earlier in the week to be prepared, have an emergency kit, water, shovel, sand or kitty litter to use in case of an emergency event. 

AAA Colorado recommends residents prepare early for massive snowstorm

For those who end up being stranded in a ditch, or somewhere in their vehicle, Polis announced he activated around 50 Colorado National Guard members to assist in search and rescue efforts this weekend. 

Although these resources will be available to anyone in need, Polis is encouraging people to stay home.

“You don’t want to be one of those people who might have to be searched, found and rescued,” Polis said. 

But rain and snow won’t be the only problem this weekend as wind gusts are expected to continuously increase throughout the weekend with gusts reaching 45 mph on Sunday, Kriederman said

“It’s not going to be an issue in-terms of blowing snow on Saturday, but on Sunday, we’ll experience northerly winds that are going to help bring down colder air across the plains and those winds are going to be possible gusts in the 40 to 45 mph range,” said Kriederman.

“When you get that colder air that’s going to allow that snow to be lofted easier, which could lead to drifting snow and low visibility issues.”

In addition to possible visibility issues, the high winds could potentially down some trees and create power outage issues across the state. But utility companies such as Xcel Energy have already been making preparations to limit those outages, Polis said.

But regardless of the outcome of this weekend’s storms, state leaders said they are just trying to keep everyone safe.

“Stay safe Colorado,” Polis said.

“If it starts to snow, it’s probably going to get worse before it gets better, so don’t be caught out … better to be safe at home or in a place where you could remain for a day or two until the weather passes over.”