Blizzard, White-Out Conditions Expected In Denver: NWS

DENVER, CO – In spite of Tuesday's balmy weather, Denver is bracing for a dramatic shift in temperatures and blizzard conditions Wednesday. In short, weather forecasters are calling for a "Bomb Cyclone" Snowcopalypse!

UPDATE: Denver Airport Cancels 1,200 Flights During 'Bomb Cyclone' Storm

Several school districts, including Denver Public Schools, Aurora School District and Littleton Public Schools, have cancelled all classes and after school activities.

Follow the Denver Snow Plow Tracker here.

The National Weather Service updated predictions Tuesday, saying rain is expected to develop Tuesday night, and then change to snow late Wednesday morning and may become heavy at times with wind gusts from 40 to 60 mph.

Starting about 11 a.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service is predicting the beginnings of a "very strong storm system" that will hit north central and northeastern Colorado.

Wednesday afternoon, travelers can expect blizzard conditions across the plains and Palmer Divide east of I-25 on Wednesday.

"Travel across northeast Colorado will be difficult due to white-out conditions and drifting of snow east of I-25," the NWS said Tuesday. West of the I-25 Urban Corridor, heavy snow and gusty winds are predicted, with significant travel impacts.

"Road closures are also possible along with scattered power outages across the plains. Periods of heavy snow will be likely in the mountains and foothills," the weather service said.

Temperatures will drop for the rest of the week, but then bounce back to the high 40s and 50s for the weekend, NWS predicted.

Here's the National Weather Service forecast for metro Denver Wednesday through the weekend:

Wednesday:

Rain and snow, becoming all snow after noon. The snow could be heavy at times. Patchy blowing snow after 1pm. Temperature rising to near 37 by 10 a.m., then falling to around 28 during the remainder of the day. Very windy, with a north wind 7 to 17 mph increasing to 26 to 36 mph. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches (eek!) possible.

Wednesday Night

Snow, mainly before 9 p.m. Patchy blowing snow before 11 p.m. Low around 24. Blustery, with a north northwest wind 14 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Thursday

Cloudy, with a high near 35. North wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 15.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 44.

Friday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 20.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 49.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 24.

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 52.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 26.

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