Storm Alert: How To Navigate Today's Rush-Hour Snow

BOULDER, CO --

11:04 a.m.: Police scanner reports state that Boulder-bound U.S. 36 has been shut down at McCaslin to clear the Davidson Mesa crashes. Snow is continuing to fall, though weather reports still say it should taper off as the afternoon goes on.

ALERT: Per scanner, #Boulder-bound U.S. 36 being shut down at McCaslin so crews can try and clear all the crashes near Davidson Mesa
— Mitchell Byars (@mitchellbyars) January 28, 2019

The persistent area of moderate to heavy snow over much of the so. portion of the I-25 Urban Corridor wl continue to diminish in coverage & intensity thru Noon. Locations under the heaviest portion of the narrow band can expect an additional 1-2" w/less than 1" elsewhere. #COwx pic.twitter.com/NqvepYKkZT
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) January 28, 2019

9:35 a.m.: Snow is still falling steadily. Roads are slick and reports show that multiple cars have slid off of US-36 descending from Davidson Mesa. Current snowfall totals from the National Weather Service show accumulation of 3–4 inches, with higher totals as you head south toward Denver. City of Boulder crews report that they are out clearing the multi-use paths and city-maintained sidewalks, but commuters are cautioned that the surfaces are still slick!

#Boulder snow crews have been out since 3 a.m. working to keep streets & multi-use paths clear. Please give plows plenty of room & stay safe! More info: https://t.co/3h8t9Kr0Dl pic.twitter.com/9aXfQTZvkQ
— City of Boulder (@bouldercolorado) January 28, 2019

Still likely looking at 1”+/hour rates along the US-36 corridor between Denver & Boulder. Definite over-performer! #COwx pic.twitter.com/p3elA6IGXQ
— Chris Bianchi (@BianchiWeather) January 28, 2019

8:09 a.m.: Snow continues to fall, with Longmont, Broomfield, and Westminster added to the list of cities on accident alert. Some areas of North Boulder are reporting more than three inches of snow so far. Highway traffic is snarled throughout the metro area. According to the National Weather Service, snow is likely to continue through 10 a.m.

It’s days like today i’m grateful i don’t have to commute anywhere #cowx #cotraffic pic.twitter.com/B0ivLRx3Xr
— Anthony Quintano (@AnthonyQuintano) January 28, 2019

6:58 a.m.: Snow is falling harder than expected in many areas. Some Colorado Springs-schools are closed, and many highways are reporting severe weather impacts. Boulder is on the edge of a region that could get up to five inches of accumulation. Boulder police have put the city on accident alert.

C470 @ I25 25mph. No lanes. pic.twitter.com/JuYbepNzaS
— Brian Willie (@bwillie) January 28, 2019

Accident alert means that anyone involved in a crash that does not involve a drunken driving case or a hit-and-run should exchange insurance information and report the accident to police later.

6:02 a.m.: Does it feel like you just woke up to a repeat of last Tuesday's harrowing commute? Forecasters think you're just about right. Heavy bands of snow, with rates as high as one inch an hour will be passing through the area throughout the early-morning hours, but will taper off as we head toward lunchtime.

Difficult driving conditions expected thru late morning w/wet, icy & snow-packed conditions along the entire I-25 Urban Corridor & Denver Metro area. Winds & snow will create low visibility in the high country. Allow extra time & distance between vehicles when travelling. #COwx pic.twitter.com/PWgctNteMB
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) January 28, 2019

Total accumulation for the storm is currently pegged at about two inches. The total impact of the storm should be mild, but its timing will be less-than-ideal for commuters. If you have the chance to delay your arrival at the office, take it! Otherwise, give yourself a bit of extra time and travel with caution.

The snow should be over by early afternoon, but it may be followed by another bout of high winds, with gusts up to 40mph.

Snow this morning, ending by early afternoon. #cowx pic.twitter.com/4RObvvaHeV
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) January 28, 2019

Do you like this article? Join the Boulder Patch on Facebook! Stay in touch with the news and events that shape Boulder County. Sign up for your free Patch newsletter here.

Photo credit: Shutterstock