Blizzard — Sedgwick County, Colorado

2023-12-25 to 2023-12-27 · Sedgwick County, Colorado

Event narrative

Storm totals included 5 inches near Fairfield and 4.5 inches near Marks Butte. Several roads and highways were closed.

Wider weather episode

Snow, high winds and blowing snow produced blizzard conditions across the Palmer Divide and northeast plains. Peak wind gusts from 50 mph to 66 mph were observed. Storm totals anywhere from 5 to 12.5 inches occurred in and near the Palmer Divide and over the far northeast plains, with 1 to 4 inches elsewhere. Snow drifts up to 18 inches deep were reported. Numerous roads and highways were closed including: Interstate 70 east of Denver, US-6, US-24, US34 (from Brush to the Nebraska state line), US-36 (from Last Chance to the Kansas state line), US-385, as well as several other smaller county roadways. Peak wind gusts included: 66 mph, 8 miles north-northwest of Boyero, 64 mph at Denver International Airport, 63 mph Pawnee Buttes, 61 mph at Limon Municipal Airport, 60 mph near Agate and Cedar Point, and 58 mph near Bennett.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1150850. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.