Denver weather: Snowstorm snarls traffic, causes cancellations, delays at DIA
Snow fell in Denver on Friday night making roads slippery, slowing traffic, causing crashes and forcing flight cancellations and delays at Denver International Airport.
At the airport, 38 flights were canceled and 589 flights were delayed as of 8:35 p.m., said Alex Renteria, a DIA spokeswoman.
DIA reported just under four inches of snow at about 8 p.m., according to the National Weather Service, as snow continued to fall. The weather service said snowfall rates were between 1 and 2 inches per hour in the metro area Friday night and snowfall was expected to continue late into the night.
The persistent band of moderate to heavy snow will continue to gradually move east of the Denver Metro Area and expand in coverage thru the late evening hours. Snowfall rates will range from 1" to 2" per hour. #COwx pic.twitter.com/Z4hLrpWU0c
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) February 23, 2019
Snow was also having an impact on the Interstate 70 corridor in the mountains, according to the Colorado State Patrol. Passenger vehicle traction and commercial vehicle chain laws were in place in both directions from Golden to Idaho Springs. The same laws were in effect Friday night on U.S. Highway 285, both directions, from Morrison to Pine Junction. Chain laws were also in place on U.S. Highway 6 over Loveland Pass.
RELATED: Colorado snow totals for Feb. 22, 2019
In Arapahoe County, Buckley Air Force Base reported 6.5 inches of snow at 8:30 p.m., the weather service said. In parts of Denver on Friday night, including central, southeast and southwest, police activated the “accident alert” system. In minor traffic accidents, without injuries and without drugs or alcohol involved, drivers can exchange identification and insurance information and later file an online report.
Since 5 p.m., 68 crashes were reported to Denver dispatchers, police said at 9 p.m. On Peña Boulevard, leading to the airport, plow crews on Friday night were busy trying to keep ahead of the falling snow.
“We’re working really hard trying to keep runways and roadways clear,” Renteria said. “Everything is weather dependent now.”
Colorado Springs went on accident alert at 8:21 p.m., police said.
In Denver, the snow was expected to let up and move east at about 2 a.m., according to the weather service. On Saturday, Denver skies will be mostly sunny and the high temperature should climb to about 39 degrees with winds gusting to 30 mph.
Colorado evening… #COwx pic.twitter.com/kBEsyXYDWv
— EG Keller (@EGKellerDraws) February 23, 2019