If you are living in Colorado, you don’t think twice about the capricious nature of winter. The other aspect would be the climate in Colorado: it can go from gorgeously sunny one day to terribly snowy the next. Colorado was given a first taste of winter a few days ago with heightened snow accumulation in the Colorado mountains and even a Winter Weather Advisory for Denver and surrounding area.

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What Is a Winter Weather Advisory?

But, in simple terms, what is this thing called a Winter Weather Advisory and what does it mean for you? These advisories are given by the National Weather Service to inform people how potentially dangerous conditions may affect travel or any kind of physical activities.

Understanding Winter Weather Warnings

A Winter Weather Advisory often refers to the conditions that support falling snow, sleet, or freezing rain. It will cause slippery roads and diminished visibility and other impairments. A Winter Weather Advisory is not as significant as a Winter Storm Warning since it signifies more intense weather that can lead to bad conditions.

What You Should Know About the Advisory

For Denver residents, this advisory indicates that light to moderate snow is expected, so conditions can change quickly. Travelling could be disrupted because of the weather, so monitoring the situation and taking required precautions are essential.

Heavy Snowfall in the Mountains of Colorado

Although a smaller storm in Denver, that the mountains are seeing much higher and heavier snowfalls. All known elevations in Colorado reach a significant accumulation of this snowy weather, and this present storm is no different from any other.

How Much Snow Has Fallen?

Already several inches have fallen at some of Colorado’s ski resorts and mountain towns, with more forecast for the next few days. For areas such as Vail, Aspen, and Breckenridge, snow already starts to make for excellent skiing conditions but poses difficulties to drivers and residents or visitors to these mountains.

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Effects on Local Travel and Roads

Traveling into and out of the mountains of Colorado during heavy snow conditions is hazardous. Icy highways and snow-covered roads become a cause for accidents as well as slow traffic considerably. The local authorities issued warnings for mountain routes stating that drivers should carry chains or snow tires and extra caution should be taken driving on slick conditions.

Denver Metro Area Weather Forecast

What about the city itself? Denver is usually known for having milder winter weather than the mountains, but that doesn’t mean that residents won’t feel the effects of the storm.

Snow in Denver: How Long to Expect It To Last

The forecasters suggest that the Winter Weather Advisory may persist in the Denver metro area until the night, and snow flurries may come down at night as well. There will be light snow at places and about 2 inches of snow for some places. Snowing during nights and moonlight is expected to leave in the morning but roads might become icy in the morning.

Preparation for Winter Storms in the Metro Area

If you live in or even around Denver, now is when you need to prepare: watch local weather reports so you are prepared for upcoming winter conditions, make sure your winter gear is already prepared, and make certain your vehicle is prepared as well for snow and ice. If you must hit the roads, make yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.

Safety Considerations for Winter Weather at Denver

When winter weather conditions arise, safety is paramount, regardless of whether you are passing through snowy streets or biding your time indoors.

Keeping Safe While Driving in the Snow

Driving in winter is a bit nerve wracking, but with due preparation, it is done. First and foremost slow down. You may have mastered driving in the winter; however, icy tracks could appear anytime, sliding your car.

Preparing the Car for Winter

Check that your car is prepared for winter. Make sure tires have adequate tread, wipers functional and keep de-icer and blankets in the car if you are a victim of road ice. And don’t let your gas tank drop below half if you do get stuck you will freeze.

What to Do at Home During a Winter Storm

Watch your heating devices; make sure you have more blankets than necessary, and check that your pipes are not prone to freezing. Besides, it may be wise to place flashlights, batteries and several non- perishable foods in conspicuous places in the course of the storm, in case of a power failure.

What’s Next? Long-Term Winter Weather Outlook

Predictions for the Next Weeks

The coming weeks will be great for snow lovers, as the Colorado mountains are expecting even more snow in the near future. Denver’s metro area can expect to continue with cold temperatures and intermittent snow showers, but the heaviest snowfalls will likely be in the mountains.