Things could change — a lot — in the next two days, but metro area officials are preparing for the worst as a potentially historic snowstorm is creeping towards Colorado and the Front Range. 

Current forecasts are projecting at least a foot of snow to fall across the metro area with the western and southern parts being hit the hardest, with projections of 18 to 24 inches, said Kari Bowen, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Boulder. 

Ahead of potential 'Snowmageddon,' DPS says snow days are here to stay

To the north, Boulder and Larimer counties are currently projected to receive between two and three feet of wet, heavy snow.

Because of the potential ‘snowmageddon,’ officials across the metro urged Denverites to be prepared when snow starts to fall late Friday afternoon into the evening.

The Colorado Department of Transportation is encouraging all motorists to avoid traveling this weekend, especially along Interstate 25, Interstate 70 and the mountain corridor. Plowing crews that will be on the roadways in full-force. 

Those insistent of traveling to the mountains this weekend are encouraged to arrive prior to the snow begins on Friday.

The City of Denver announced on Wednesday that they will deploy their entire fleet of big plows, residential plows and heavy equipment as needed.

AAA Colorado recommends residents prepare early for massive snowstorm

Crews will begin treating the roads at midnight Friday and will continue to be on the streets throughout the weekend and into next week, if needed, according to a release from the City of Denver’s Transportation and Infrastructure. 

Officials also reminded Denver residents that businesses and property owners are responsible for shoveling their sidewalks.

Xcel Energy announced Wednesday they have called upon hundreds of employee and contractors to be ready in an event of a small or large power outage.

“We’re currently monitoring this storm and preparing our crews to handle potential outages due to heavy snowfall and ice,” said Mark Newby, control center and trouble operations director in Colorado.

Xcel Energy  released several tips regarding this weekend:

• If your home uses heat, adjust your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower.
• Open drapes and blinds to maximize heat from direct sunlight
• Run ceiling fans in a clockwise direction to push warm air down from ceiling, adding comfort and savings
• Operate energy-intsneive appliances, such as electric space heaters, water heaters, dishwaters, washing machines and dryers, during early morning and late evening hours.
• Limit the opening and reopening of refrigerators.
• Report outages at 1-800-895-1999 immediately

Similar to CDOT, AAA is encouraging motorists to remain at home this weekend, but for those who need to travel they’ve released several tips regarding safety:

• Time: Drive safely in snow and ice by driving slowly. Budget extra time for all trips. Even if traffic jams are minimal, it will take you longer to get to where you’re going because you will need to move more slowly
• Emergency Kit: Keep an emergency kit in your car with tire chains, abrasive materials such as sand or kitty litter, a small shovel, a flashlight with extra batteries, an ice scraper, rags or paper towels, flares or other warning devices, booster cables and a first aid kit.
• Wiper blades: Your wiper blades have been warning you for months that they’re not ready for winter by streaking, screeching, our bounding around on the glass. New wiper blades are among the cheapest pieces of safety-critical equipment you can purchase for your vehicle. 
• Clear it: If you car was parked outside during the storm, completely clear off all snow and ice before heading out.
• Gas: Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent a gas line freeze-up and potential long-term issues with your fuel pump.
• Tires: Fill up tires to levels recommended by manufactures.

Over 120,000 people are expected to travel throughout Denver International Airport this weekend, but due to the weather several airlines including Frontier, Southwest and United are offering travel vouchers. 

Due to the current forecasts, DIA officials are expecting delays and cancellations and are encouraging travelers to work directly with their airline if they would like to reschedule their flight for before or after the storm.