A late-season snowstorm is set to bring significant snowfall and hazardous travel conditions to the Rocky Mountains, coinciding with Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Winter Storm Warnings have been issued for parts of Wyoming and Colorado as forecasts predict snowfall totals of 10 to 24 inches across the Front Range foothills and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Travel could be very difficult to impossible at times, especially late Tuesday. I-80 between Cheyenne and Laramie is expected to receive 8 to 16 inches of snow from Monday night through Wednesday noon.
This storm comes after a warm spell, with Denver recording a high of 70 degrees Fahrenheit before the cold front moved in. The shift has caught many off guard—Cinco de Mayo festivities are typically marked by outdoor gatherings.
Key snowfall predictions:
- 10 to 24 inches across the Front Range foothills
- 8 to 16 inches along I-80 between Cheyenne and Laramie
- 5 to 10 inches at Arlington and Elk Mountain along I-80
The higher elevations could see more than 18 inches of snow in some areas. Heavy snow is expected to create whiteout conditions with wind gusts up to 45 mph, making travel particularly treacherous.
Cheyenne could see between 4 and 8 inches of total snow accumulation through Wednesday. As this winter storm moves through, officials warn that conditions may worsen before they improve.
The storm is expected to exit the area by Wednesday afternoon, with warmer conditions returning Thursday. However, until then, residents should prepare for challenging travel conditions as they celebrate.