Colorado weather blog: Many road closures in place as conditions gradually improve

DENVER — An epic, slow-moving, five-day November snowstorm will likely go down in Colorado's weather record books when it's finished this weekend. Because of the prolonged nature of this storm, it may become the largest the Denver metro has seen in November in nearly 30 years.

The first round of snow started flying around 5 p.m. on the evening of Election Day and didn't stop until midday Thursday. Denver International Airport saw 38 out of 48 hours of nearly consecutive snowfall. And we're not done yet! The next round of heavy (and steady) snow rolled in Friday morning and will last through midday Saturday.

A winter storm warning is in effect for the Denver metro area and southeastern suburbs along with the Eastern Plains from 5 a.m. Friday to noon Saturday.

Denver7 Weather

This epic snowstorm could be Denver's biggest in November in decades

Danielle Grant

The Denver7 news team is tracking the latest storm updates, closures, and sharing news from local agencies. Refresh this page for updates and keep checking back for new details.

LINKS: Closings and Delays | Latest forecast | Radars | Traffic | Weather Page | 24/7 Weather Stream

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Saturday, November 9

6:50 a.m. | Update on power outages | CORE Electric Cooperative said around 200 members lost service during the winter storm with most restored in a few hours. Melting snow and ice could cause further service disruptions on Saturday, said the utility.

6:30 a.m. | Plows working the roads | Denver's Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) wrote "Denver's big plows and residential plows are out this morning" as many roads picked up more snow and slush. You can track plows at this link.

DOTI

5:45 a.m. | Improving conditions | Snow is diminishing in Denver and across the plains but period of light accumulation are possible through Saturday morning. The winter storm warning for Denver metro has expired, but portions of the Palmer Divide and eastern plains remain under an alert, where road closures remain in place.

Friday, November 8

10:17 p.m. | Denver7 latest forecast | If you're tired of this November snowstorm, you're almost done! The snow diminishes on Saturday, and the melting begins on Sunday. Watch Chief Meteorologist Mike Nelson's latest forecast in the video player below.

9:13 p.m. | US 285 'choked' with crashes | Colorado State Patrol says US 285 is choked with vehicles stuck between Conifer and Bailey, particularly around milepost 230.

8:49 p.m. | Multiple crashes on US 287 | The Livermore Fire Protection District is responding to multiple crashes on US 287 from Virginia Dale to the Colorado Wyoming state line. The department said road conditions are "hazardous" and people should stay home.

7 p.m. | More snow = more fun! | Here's a slice of positivity from this cold weather! Kids across Colorado were very excited to wake up to a snow day.

5:50 p.m. | Elbert County closes shelter | Elbert County has closed the shelter and warming center at Elizabeth High School, according to the county's Office of Emergency Management. The only shelter open in Elbert County is at the Elbert County Fairgrounds in Kiowa.

5:30 p.m. | Denver7 weather update | Denver7 chief meteorologist Mike Nelson has the latest weather forecast a this five-day snowstorm continues bringing additional snow to the Denver metro. Watch the forecast in the video below.

5 p.m. | Latest DIA cancellations, delays | As of 4 p.m. Friday, there were 483 flight cancellations at DIA and 765 delays. DIA officials recommend people flying out check their flight status with their airline before heading out the door.

4:30 p.m. | CDOT restrictions now in place | Commercial vehicle restrictions are now in place through 8 a.m. Saturday due to projected extreme weather on the following roadways:

• I-70 in both directions from Mile Point 259 (Golden) and MP 205 (Silverthorne)
• I-25 in both directions from MP 194 (C-470) to MP 150 (N. Academy Boulevard)
• US 285 in both directions from MP 250 (Morrison) to MP 184 (Fairplay)
• US 40 at Berthoud Pass in both directions from MP 234 (Winter Park) to MP 256 (Empire)
• US 6 at Loveland Pass from MP 217 (Keystone) to MP 229 (Georgetown)
• US 6 in both directions through Clear Creek Canyon from MP 258 (I-70 intersection) to 271 (Golden)

4 p.m. | Latest DIA cancellations, delays | As of 4 p.m. Friday, there were 482 flight cancellations at DIA and 733 delays. DIA officials recommend people flying out check their flight status with their airline before heading out the door.

3:24 p.m. | CDOT restrictions extended | All commercial motor vehicles won't be allowed on southbound I-25, south of C-470 (exit 194) due to lack of parking and resources between Denver and Colorado Springs, CSP officials said.

Drivers were urged to remain in the Denver metro area.

3:16 p.m. | Red Cross warning center | The Colorado Red Cross will open a warning center at Golden High School, 701 10th St. starting at 6 p.m.

3 p.m. | Latest DIA cancellations, delays | As of 3 p.m. Friday, there were 480 flight cancellations at DIA and 690 delays. DIA officials recommend people flying out check their flight status with their airline before heading out the door.

2 p.m. | Latest DIA cancellations, delays | As of 2 p.m. Friday, there were 477 flight cancellations at DIA and 637 delays. DIA officials recommend people flying out check their flight status with their airline before heading out the door.

1:42 p.m. | Update on I-70 eastbound crash near Genesee | The crash on eastbound I-70 near Genesee has been cleared and traffic is back open.

12:45 p.m. | I-70 eastbound crash near Genesee | Colorado State Patrol is diverting eastbound I-70 traffic at Genesee due to a multi-vehicle pileup. We have a reporter at the scene who is sharing what conditions look like.

12:44 p.m. | Current road closures | Colorado State Patrol released a lengthy list of the roads on the Eastern Plains that remain closed:

• I-70 Eastbound  Airpark to Burlington
• I-70 Westbound Burlington to Limon
• I-25 Southbound from Pueblo to Colorado/New Mexico state line
• US 24 Eastbound/Westbound Colorado Springs to Limon
• US 24 Seibert to Burlington
• US 40 Westbound from Cheyenne Wells to Limon
• US 160 Eastbound/Westbound from US 350 Junction to CO 389 Junction
• US 160 Eastbound/Westbound from Kim to US 385 Junction
• US 287 Northbound from Wiley to Kit Carson
• US 287 Northbound/Southbound from Springfield to Larma
• US 350  Eastbound/Westbound from Trinidad to La Junta
• CO 59 Northbound/Southbound from Yuma to Kit Carson
• CO 71 Northbound/Southbound from Last Chance to Punkin Center
• CO 86 Eastbound/Westbound from Elizabeth to I-70
• CO 94 Eastbound/Westbound from El Paso County line to US 40/287 Junction
• CO 109 Northbound/Southbound from La Junta to Kim
• CO 266 Eastbound/Westbound Rocky Ford to CO 109 Junction
• CO 389 Northbound/Southbound from New Mexico state line to US 160 Junction
• CO 101 Northbound/ Southbound from Las Animas to Toonerville

12:31 p.m. | Boulder offices closing | Boulder County government offices are closing at 1p.m. due to snowy weather conditions.

12:25 p.m. | Airport update | Are you flying today? The good news is as of now, the delays hover around 30-40 minutes, but not much more. However, this may change as the day continues. Always check your flight status before heading out the door.

12:22 p.m. | Westminster facilities closing | All administrative offices, recreation centers, and libraries in the City of Westminster will close at 3 p.m. due to the storm.

Rec centers will reopen at 9 a.m. Saturday.

12:20 p.m. | Xcel Energy update | According to Xcel Energy's outage map, about 1,382 customers are without power. Earlier this morning, about 5,000 customers had no power.

The outages are mostly centered in the Thornton area, west Arvada area, Lakewood area and in Berthoud.

12:04 p.m. | Weather update | The Boulder Valley School District is canceling after-school activities and events today, Friday, November 8th due to the winter storm. All schools and preschool will continue until the normal dismissal time. After School Care will close at 4 p.m. Buses will operate on their normal drop-off schedule.

12 p.m. | Latest DIA cancellations, delays | As of 12 p.m. Friday, there were 426 flight cancellations at DIA and 522 delays. DIA officials recommend people flying out check their flight status with their airline before heading out the door.

11:12 a.m. | Denver weather update | The city of Denver will activate its residential plows starting tonight at midnight, while preparing to run two 12-hour shifts and monitoring conditions.

Snow is expected to fall later today at significant rates and travelers are urged to plan ahead and avoid driving in hazardous weather conditions.

11:10 a.m. | Xcel Energy outages | Xcel Energy reported as of 11 a.m. Friday that there a few outages so far, affecting about 5,000 customers.

11 a.m. | Weather impacts in Elizabeth | Highway 86 is closed at County Road 17 in Elizabeth, fire officials said, adding there will be "no plow operations east of County Road 17 in the Town of Elizabeth. We urge all citizens to stay home until the road closures are lifted."

A shelter is available for stranded driver at Elizabeth High School. Access to the high school is through the door beside the flag pole, officials said.

CDOT and Elizabeth Fire

11 a.m. | Latest DIA cancellations, delays | As of 11 a.m. Friday, there were 365 flight cancellations at DIA and 454 delays. DIA officials recommend people flying out check their flight status with their airline before heading out the door.

10:30 a.m. | No sopapillas this Friday | Casa Bonita announced it would be closed Friday due to inclement weather. Those with reservations were urged to find an alternate date.

10:28 a.m. | Elbert County activates shelter | Elbert County has issued a State of Emergency and has activated Elizabeth High School as a shelter and warming center. Avoid all non-essential travel to allow emergency responders to do their work safely. Stay indoors and keep warm, officials said.

10:20 a.m. | Government offices to close at noon | Colorado state government offices in Denver and surrounding suburban counties will close at noon Friday, Nov. 8, due to expected extreme weather conditions.

State facilities essential to public health and safety will maintain regular operating schedules and essential personnel must report to work at their normal scheduled time, staff with the governor's office said Friday.

10:19 a.m. | CDOT restrictions | Trailers and towed vehicles will be restricted from I-70 west of Golden and other critical locations starting at 4 p.m. Friday, CDOT says.

"This restriction is designed to reduce the chances of semi truck and other impactful spinouts that require extensive manpower and specialized equipment to clear, and often cause prolonged closures of the interstate," officials said in a news release. "Even with a trailer restriction, safety closures of I-70 between Golden and Idaho Springs may be necessary, and those closures could be lengthy if vehicles spin out or crash along the roadway."

10:15 a.m. | Latest DIA cancellations, delays | As of 10:15 a.m. Friday, there were 349 flight cancellations at DIA and 404 delays. DIA officials recommend people flying out check their flight status with their airline before heading out the door.

10:11 a.m. | CSP urges against travel east | The Colorado State Patrol urged people to avoid travel on I-70, I-76, Highway 50, 40 or 160 until the storm clears out Saturday.

10:00 a.m. | Limon update | Residents in Limon are urged to stay home and off the roads. "Limon Police Department is asking that if you are local and do not need to be out on the roads please stay home!!! Snow removal is impossible with stranded cars in the roadways," said the town of Limon on Facebook. They added there will not be trash service on Friday.

9:25 a.m. | Water main break | The Denver Police Department confirmed to Denver7, officers are helping Denver Water manage a water main break on E. 4th Ave. and Monaco Parkway that closed the intersection while crews make repairs.

8:00 a.m. | Road closures | The Colorado State Patrol published a long list of road closures on the social media site X that could affect travel plans Friday.

• Eastbound Interstate 70 Airpark to Burlington
• Westbound Interstate 70 Burlington to Limon
• Southbound Interstate 25 from Pueblo to Colorado/New Mexico state line
• Eastbound/Westbound U.S. Route 24 Calhan to Limon
• Westbound U.S. Route 40 from Cheyenne Wells to Limon
• U.S. Route 160 Eastbound/Westbound from U.S. Route 350 Junction to Colorado State Highway 389 Junction
• Eastbound/Westbound U.S. Route 160 from Kim to U.S. Route 385 Junction
• U.S. Route 287 Northbound from Wiley to Kit Carson
• U.S. Route 350 Eastbound Eastbound/Westbound from Trinidad to La Junta
• Colorado State Highway 59 Northbound/Southbound from Yuma to Kit Carson
• Colorado State Highway 71 Northbound/Southbound from Last Chance to Punkin Center
• Colorado State Highway 86 Eastbound/Westbound from Kiowa to I-70
• Colorado State Highway 94 Eastbound/Westbound from El Paso County line to US 40/287 Junction
• Colorado State Highway 109 Northbound/Southbound from La Junta to Kim
• Colorado State Highway 389 Northbound/ Southbound from New Mexico state line to US 160 Junction

7:48 a.m. | Road closures | Interstate 70 is closed between Burlington and Airpark, Colorado State Patrol Limon posted on the social media site X, as up to a foot and a half of wet snow and moderate winds are expected Friday.

6:38 a.m. | Travel delays, cancellations | 28 flights are delayed in and out of Denver International Airport, according to FlightAware. There are 181 flights canceled.

6:00 a.m. | Lisa Hidalgo's forecast update | Snow showers will redevelop again Friday morning. Friday's round of snow will be quite a bit heavier and will likely bring a better chance of heavy snow to the Eastern Plains.

Denver could be in for an additional 6 to 12 inches of snow with the southeastern suburbs tacking on another 8 to 15 inches. Areas near Limon, Hugo and Agate along Interstate 70 could see 12 to 18 inches of additional snowfall.

Click here for her weekend outlook.

5:40 a.m. | Travel delays, cancellations | There are 15 flights delayed in and out of Denver International Airport, and 178 cancellations, according to FlightAware.

Denver7 Weather

Polis declares disaster emergency, activates National Guard amid epic snowstorm

Sydney Isenberg

4:30 a.m. | LIVE NEWS | Denver7 has crews tracking Friday and Saturday's storms, road conditions and cold weather resources across the Denver metro area. Watch Denver7's live news stream at this link or the player below:

Thursday, Nov. 7 | School closures | Kids across the Denver metro are getting a three-day weekend thanks to a slow moving snowstorm that’s expected to dump between seven to 10 inches of additional snow in the area by Saturday morning.

The forecast, calling for snow and ice-covered roads that will make travel hazardous, “with the possibility of very difficult or impossible travel” east and southeast of Denver, according to weather service officials in Boulder, prompted school districts from around the metro to announce snow-related school closures for Friday.

Check latest Colorado weather closures and delays at this link.

Click here to watch the Denver7 live weather stream.