As many have heard, there’s a major winter storm on the radar for Colorado this weekend.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Forecasted totals have yet to solidify

As this storm gets closer, projected totals continue to change. What started out as a widespread three-to-five foot prediction along the I-25 corridor has slowly shifted north, seemingly intensifying. While Pikes Peak was originally looking at projected totals in the 60-inch range on Monday, these have since diminished. During the same time, Estes Park predictions have pushed upward to 90 inches.

Though the forecast will likely continue to change during upcoming days, residents of Colorado that live east of the divide should prepare for big snow in the range of one to three feet, particularly those along the I-25 corridor between Colorado Springs and the Wyoming border. The mountains just west of this stretch are where highest totals are expected, though major impacts will be likely in the lower elevation urban areas surrounding these peaks.

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2. This storm will be long

Length is one of the reasons so much snow is expected to stack up during this storm. While the snowfall is expected to peak on Saturday and Sunday, it’s expected to start in some places as early as Wednesday. This constant snow will give road safety and emergency crews little relief. While the storm is expected to taper off by Sunday night, expect resulting complications to stretch into Monday. Prepare to be stuck at home due to ‘nearly impossible’ travel conditions.

3. Travel is discouraged

The Colorado Department of Transportation is already asking people to avoid travel around impacted areas. This includes the Denver metro, I-70 to the Eisenhower tunnel, the I-25 South Gap construction area, and more.

As snow falls at a rapid rate, plows will be forced to focus on major highways, leaving many secondary routes untouched. Dangerous conditions are expected and could persist past the storm’s end.

4. This storm could be ‘historic’

Multiple meteorologists have already drawn comparisons between the upcoming storm and a March 2003 blizzard that dropped huge totals around the state, upwards of 80 inches. That 2003 storm was the second-largest ever to hit Denver, dumping 31.8 inches of snow between March 17 and March 19. The Denver area is currently expected to get around 10 inches this weekend, though nearby spots like Boulder and Genesee could get 47 and 43 inches, respectively. Higher totals of 91 inches and 81 inches are expected in Estes Park and Red Feather Lakes, with 78 inches of snow expected on Longs Peak.

5. This much snow can can cause damage

This much snow can be damaging, especially when it’s wet and heavy, as expected. If the storm continues on the track it is, structural and agriculture losses will be possible, as will power outages. It is crucial to prepare for winter conditions and to avoid risky travel situations.

In closing:

As this storm approaches, those in impacted areas should make sure to stay up-to-date with changing forecasts while preparing for heavy snowfall. This much snow might have you stuck in the house for a couple days, plan accordingly.

See official weather alerts on the National Weather Service website and check the Colorado Department of Transportation website for travel updates.

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