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Second big storm zeroing in on Front Range

Storm's track could determine snow depth -- 9 inches or up to 30 inches

Rocky Mountain News

Published December 27, 2006 at midnight

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If you think Denver and the burbs didn’t do well clearing up the last snowstorm, wait and see how they do with the one slated to arrive Thursday.

The National Weather Service says that another winter storm developing in the Pacific Northwest has the potential of producing heavy snowfall over northeastern and north central Colorado, which includes Denver and the I-25 corridor.

But it seems "potential" is the operative word.

Frank Cooper, a meteorologist with the Weather Service, said, "The two questions right now are how much and how long will it last?

"We’re waiting to see what storm track it takes, and that will determine whether we get 9 inches or 30-something inches."

In addition to the snow, the region is slated to be hit by Canadian air which will make it a lot colder than the storm last week, and will mean it will stay on the roadways a lot longer.

"The storm could stay south and we’ll get far less snow," Cooper said. "But if it swings up around the border it will pull moist air out of the Gulf and we could really see some snow."

We should see some showers start tomorrow morning, but the heavy stuff won’t begin until in the evening and overnight, he said.

It should continue into Friday — and perhaps longer, depending on how long it decides to stay around.

And there could be wind — with sustained speeds up to 30 mph and gusts up to 45 or more.

Air travelers should check schedules for delays or canceled flights, and those driving to the east and southeast, might want to reconsider because there could be whiteout situations.