As much as a foot of snow is expected to coat Boulder in the winter storm that is forecast to last into Wednesday.
The National Weather Service is forecasting 4 to 12 inches of snow in Boulder amid a winter storm warning starting Tuesday night that could bring power outages and broken tree branches to the city that’s had a mild winter thus far. The snowstorm is forecast to bring 3 to 7 inches on Tuesday, and another 3 to 5 inches on Wednesday, according to NWS.
Snow could accumulate to as many as 30 inches across the higher mountains in Boulder County, according to NWS. The winter storm warning forecasts between 10 inches and 2 feet of snow for elevations above 6,000 feet, with the heaviest snow set to fall above 8,000 feet, according to NWS.
The winter storm warning will be in effect from 8 p.m. Tuesday to 3 p.m. Wednesday, according to NWS.
On Monday, forecasters warned of snow totaling 3 to 8 inches. By Tuesday morning, the winter storm warning forecasts at least 4 to 8 inches, with a foot of snow for some areas at the base of the foothills, according to NWS.
The heavy snowfall could bring with it weighed-down power lines and tree branches, as forecasters warn of broken lines that could lead to power outages, according to the winter storm warning. Forecasters also warn of slick roadways for the Wednesday morning commute.
Anyone planning to travel should keep a flashlight, extra food and water in their vehicle in case of emergency, according to the warning. Anyone can hear the latest road conditions by calling 511 or using COtrip, the Colorado Department of Transportation’s traffic mapping service, the warning states.
Tuesday’s high is forecast to be 36 degrees in Boulder, according to NWS. On Wednesday, temperatures will pick up to a high of 41 degrees, before getting warmer again with Thursday’s high of 64, according to NWS.