Blizzard — Washington County, Colorado

2020-03-19 to 2020-03-20 · Washington County, Colorado

Event narrative

The storm system produced up to 4 inches of snowfall. Peak wind gusts ranging from 55 to 63 mph caused blowing and drifting snow along with whiteout conditions.

Wider weather episode

A powerful storm system brought blizzard conditions to the northeast plains of Colorado. Numerous roads closures were posted east of Interstate 25 and over the Palmer Divide. Highways closings included portions of eastbound interstates 70 and 76 in eastern Colorado due to strong winds and whiteout conditions. I-70 was also closed westbound into the mountains, due to heavy snow and numerous accidents.

In the Front Range Foothills, storm totals ranged from 12 to 23 inches. Along the urban corridor, south and west of a line from Boulder to Denver International Airport, storm totals ranged form 5 to 11 inches. Across portions of the northeast plains of Colorado, blizzard conditions were observed. Storm totals ranged from 3 to 9 inches.

Peak wind gusts included: 63 mph in Akron, 56 mph in Limon, 51 mph in Fort Morgan and 49 mph in Greeley and at Denver International Airport.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 882264. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.