NWS Pueblo - Winter Weather Preparedness Week - Wrap

Wrap up for Weather Winter Preparedness Week in Colorado

Enjoy the great outdoors in Colorado this winter season, but watch the weather.

The National Weather Service issues a variety of winter weather, outlooks, watches, warnings, and advisories, covered earlier during this Winter Weather Preparedness Week. Safety tips are also passed along.

An example of severe winter weather occurred in March 2003 across the eastern foothills, adjacent plains, and mountains. Snowfall amounts ranged from 80 to 110 inches, along with strong winds in some areas. The Denver metro area averaged nearly three feet of snow. The storm was well forecast, and people heeded the warning, .so casualties and impacts were mitigated.

More examples of what can happen during the winter weather season were the heavy snow events of December 2006. Back to back major storms occurred the third and fourth weeks of the month across eastern Colorado. Heavy snow accumulated over three feet deep in some areas. Strong wind created 12 to 20 foot snow drifts, and thousands of ranch animals fell victim. Travel was hampered for days in the hardest hit areas. Additionally, a blizzard occurred the last week of March in 2009, causing life threatening conditions across the eastern plains.

On March 13th, 2019, an extremely powerful low pressure system developed over southern Colorado, bringing widespread rainfall over the plains, creating a blizzard over El Paso County, and dropping feet of snow over the mountains. According to local news sources, around 1,500 motorists were stranded over northern El Paso County. More information on this event can be found here.

Before winter weather threatens this season, you should prepare a winter safety kit for your vehicle. When planning travel, check the latest weather forecasts. A valuable companion when heading out is a battery powered NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio, the voice of the National Weather Service. It provides you with the latest weather conditions and forecasts. You can pick one up at your local electronics or department store.

Finally, if you need information on winter weather safety, winter weather safety brochures, or NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio, please visit the website of the National Weather Service office responsible for your area in Colorado...

All these efforts help us to build a Weather-Ready Nation, which will make America safer by saving more lives and protecting livelihoods.

Have a safe and enjoyable winter season in Colorado.