Denver gets first snowfall of the season

DENVER – It may be a little late, but it’s here. Denver got its first snowfall of the season Thursday morning.

The graupel-like snow pellets started to come down around 10:30 a.m. and changed into a wetter, heavier snow later in the day. Most of what was falling in the metro area was melting as it hit the ground, but it’s a different story in the mountains.

Colorado Department of Transportation camerasalong the Interstate 70 mountain corridor show a blanket of snow covering the highway.

I-70 is closed in multiple places due to multiple crashes and slide-offs, according to CDOT. A traction law is also in effect in both directions between the Georgetown and Eisenhower Tunnels. Passenger vehicles are required to have snow tires.

Traction Law- I-70 both directions b/t Georgetown & Eisenhower Tunnel;Passenger vehicles required to have snow or mud/snow tires,use chains

— CDOT (@ColoradoDOT) November 17, 2016

While the metro area will see a little snow, the heaviest of the white stuff (5 to 10 inches) will fall in the northwestern mountains.  

Denver7 Meteorologist Mike Nelson forecasts that this storm will race to the east too quickly to bring any heavy amounts of precipitation.

Thursday's snowfall means we didn't break the record for the latest first measurable snowfall, which is Nov. 21, set back in 1934.

Here are some winter driving tips from AAA:

• Avoid driving while you’re fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.
• Never run a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
• Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full.
• If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.
• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).
• Always look and steer where you want to go.
• Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.