DENVER — A large storm system is impacting much of the central United States. This storm is dumping heavy snow over the Dakotas, cold rains in Nebraska and Kansas and producing severe thunderstorms in Oklahoma and Texas.
The storm is large, but not well-organized, which will leave Denver and the Front Range literally "out in the cold"! The lack of a strong upslope component and the broad scale of the storm means that little snow will fall over the Front Range Thursday.
The far eastern plains of the state will get three to six inches of snow and some very strong north winds that will create blizzard conditions and close roads early Thursday.
The mountains will receive a couple inches of snow at the most, while Denver and points north will only get an inch or less. The southern part of the metro area — mainly areas with elevations above 6,000 feet might pick up one to two inches of snow — especially closer to the Palmer Divide.
Roads may be snow-packed, icy and treacherous at times over eastern Colorado and in southern Colorado near Raton Pass. Strong winds and blowing snow will also limit visibility, both in the mountains and especially across the eastern plains.
While the storm will not bring a lot of snow to Denver, much colder weather will dominate on Thursday and Friday. Highs will only be in the mid to upper 20s, with lows in the teens and single digits.
A weaker storm will swirl across southwestern Colorado Thursday night and Friday and bring five to 10 inches of snow to the central and southwest mountains. Northern mountain areas will get one to three inches of snow and just a few flurries will be possible in Denver and across the eastern plains.
Saturday and Sunday will be dry with a slow warming trend. There will be another chance for light snow over much of the state next Monday for New Year's Eve. Colder weather will arrive again for New Year's Day.
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