Denver residents were greeted Saturday morning with the season’s first measurable snowfall, a light but impactful winter system that coated the metro area overnight. Although totals ranged from only 4 to 8 inches, the early-season storm created slick conditions that led to a surge in traffic accidents and significant delays for travelers heading through Denver International Airport.
The snow began late Friday after a brief period of rain, quickly intensifying as temperatures dipped below freezing. Heavier bands pushed through the region around midnight, reducing visibility and covering major roadways with a fresh layer of snow. By sunrise, areas such as Aurora, Highlands Ranch, and Littleton had recorded some of the highest totals, while Denver International Airport officially measured just over an inch.
Road crews worked through the night, but police and transportation officials reported dozens of slide-offs and minor collisions across the metro area. The Colorado State Patrol urged drivers to reduce speeds and allow extra time if traveling over the weekend, warning that bridges and overpasses remained particularly icy.
Air travel also felt the impact. Denver International Airport experienced early-morning delays as aircraft required de-icing before departure. Several flights were canceled, and airport officials advised passengers to check their airline status before arriving at the terminal.
Cold temperatures lingered throughout Saturday, preventing much of the snow from melting. With temperatures expected to plunge into the teens overnight, officials warned that refreezing could create additional hazards Sunday morning, even as skies clear and sunshine returns.
The storm arrived later than Denver’s typical first snowfall, which usually occurs in mid-October. Higher elevations, meanwhile, saw even more impressive totals, with winter alerts still active in many mountain communities as the storm pushed eastward.
State transportation authorities reminded residents that winter driving season has officially begun, encouraging motorists to ensure their vehicles are equipped for colder months and unpredictable weather.
