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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Category: Colorado News

  • Colorado state park summer safety tips for Memorial Day weekend

    Colorado state park summer safety tips for Memorial Day weekend

    Picture: Sylvan Lake State Park

    DENVER – As people gear up for an outdoor adventure this holiday weekend, Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds our local outdoor community of a few safety tips to help support a positive outdoor experience.

    With increased visitation to outdoor spaces throughout the state, spending time outside remains a popular pastime in Colorado. Nature belongs to all of us, and the need to balance outdoor recreation with conservation never takes a holiday.

    Know Before You Go
    Be aware of weather conditions, water temperatures and trail closures where you plan to visit. In Colorado, even late spring can bring snowstorms, strong winds and extremely cold water temperatures.

    • Camping reservations are required at Colorado state parks.
    • Use the CPW Park Finder to learn about what activities are available at each state park.
    • COTREX provides additional outdoor opportunities in surrounding areas if your desired trailhead or park is crowded or closed.
    • On a holiday weekend, expect lines and potential gate closures. Have a backup plan and be kind – CPW staff is working hard to provide a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience for all.

    Life Jackets Save Lives
    As boat ramps open and warmer temperatures entice people to recreate on the water, Colorado Parks and Wildlife urges people to wear a life jacket and boat responsibly.

    Be Careful with Fire
    Know any restrictions or bans before you go. Colorado’s low humidity has perks but can create dry, dangerous conditions. Keep campfires small and manageable to avoid sparking wildfires.

    • Dry conditions frequently impact what type of fires are allowed, and they may be completely restricted in some areas. The websitewww.coemergency.com provides up-to-date information on county fire restrictions and bans.
    • When putting out a fire, water it until you can handle the embers.
    • Never let a fire burn unattended or put hot coals in a dumpster.
    • Buying locally-sourced firewood can help prevent invasive critters from crossing state lines.

    Keep Wildlife Wild
    Colorado is home to 960 species of wildlife. To keep them — and you — safe, don’t feed or approach them.

    Together, we can live life outside and all do our part to care for Colorado and keep our landscapes healthy for future generations. Learn more about Colorado state parks and outdoor activities, visit https://cpw.state.co.us/.

      
  • Forecast: 730K Coloradans to Travel for Memorial Day

    Forecast: 730K Coloradans to Travel for Memorial Day

    DENVER (May 25, 2022) – Memorial Day weekend is expected to be the busiest in three years, building on a travel resurgence that began earlier this spring. AAA’s annual travel forecast for 2022 marks the second highest single-year increase in travelers since 2010, following only 2021.

    AAA predicts that 730,000 Coloradans will join the ranks of 39.2 million Americans traveling for the holiday weekend. All told, 8.3% more Americans are traveling this year over last, bringing travel volumes in line with where they were in 2017. 

    “Despite rising prices and continued uncertainties about COVID-19, Coloradans have made one thing clear: They’re ready to travel,” said Skyler McKinley, regional director of public affairs for AAA. “Travel comfort has hit a two-year high, with reservations for flights, hotels, and cruises for Memorial Day weekend running twice as strong as last year. All signs point to that momentum carrying into the summer.”

    Travel Confidence Surges – Air Travel Nears Pre-Pandemic Levels

    New AAA survey data has found that 80% of Coloradans currently feel comfortable traveling – more than at any other time since the pandemic began. That’s up from 47% at this time last year.

    That increased comfort is driving growth across all modes of transportation this year, especially air travel. Nationwide, air travel volumes are forecast to rise 28% from last year in the second-largest yearly increase in more than a decade. The number of Americans expected to fly this Memorial Day, 3 million, falls just shy of 2019 levels. Still, at 7.7%, a higher percentage of travelers are choosing to fly than in 2019. 

    90% of Travelers will Drive, Despite Record-High Gas Prices

    Despite historically high gas prices, 90% of Memorial Day travelers plan to get up and go by car – including 652,000 Coloradans. 

    Gas prices for Memorial Day will be the highest on record. A combination of tightened global supplies and strong demand are expected to continue to drive pump prices up through the summer travel season. 

    As of Tuesday, May 24, the average price for gasoline in Colorado is $4.16. That’s up from $3.12 in 2021, $2.06 in 2020, and $2.87 in 2019. When Colorado gas prices were last setting records, in 2008, the average price for a gallon over Memorial Day was $3.92.

    “Record high gas prices and other inflationary pressures aren’t discouraging Coloradans from travel,” McKinley said. “Per our survey data, many may look at cost-cutting measures – like driving shorter distances, staying in cheaper hotels, or spending less on shopping, dining, and entertainment – but they’re going to travel, no matter what.”

    Travel Prices

    Air      – AAA finds that the average lowest airfare is 6% more than last year, at $179 per ticket. Saturday will be the most expensive day to fly and Monday will be the cheapest. 

    Hotels – Mid-range hotel rates have increased about 43%, with the average lowest nightly rates running around $198 per night for AAA Approved Hotels.

    Car Rentals – Daily car rental rates have increased 170% over last year, with the average lowest rate coming in at $119/day.  

    Busiest Travel Days/Times

    Air Travel –  AAA booking data shows that Thursday will be the busiest day for air travel during the Memorial Day travel period, which runs from May 26 through May 30. Monday will be the lightest day. 

    Road Trips – Thursday and Friday will be the peak traffic days. To avoid the worst of it, travelers on those days should hit the roads before 7:00am or after 9:00pm. On Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, AAA advises travelers to start driving before 11:00am. 

    Reduce stress by: 

    • Arriving at the airport at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international.

    • Booking a flight during non-peak travel periods to cut down on wait times.

    • Hitting the road when there’s less traffic and budgeting extra time. 

    Big Cities and Beaches are Top Destinations

    AAA booking data reveal that big cities and beaches are top destinations this Memorial Day, both domestically and abroad. Stateside, Denver will be the 7th most-visited destination, down three positions from last year in what remains a signal of persistent travel interest in the American West.

    U.S. Destinations:
    • Orlando, FL
    • Seattle, WA
    • Miami, FL
    • Las Vegas, NV
    • Anaheim, CA
    • New York, NY
    • Denver, CO
    • Anchorage, AK
    • Boston, MA
    • Honolulu, HI 

    International Destinations
    • Vancouver, Canada
    • Dublin, Ireland
    • Paris, France
    • Rome, Italy
    • London, England
    • Cancun, Mexico
    • Amsterdam, Netherlands
    • Barcelona, Spain
    • Nassau, Bahamas
    • Calgary, Canada

    Expect Congestion

    AAA predicts drivers will encounter the longest travel delays before  the holiday weekend, particularly during the afternoons on Thursday, May 26 and Friday, May 27. Drivers in major U.S. metros, including Denver and Colorado Springs, could experience double the travel times compared to a normal trip. 

    “Even with the increase in gas prices, we’re predicting a large jump in holiday driving compared to the last few years,” McKinley said. “That means congestion. Drivers can avoid the worst of it by getting a head start, but to some extent, traffic will be unavoidable. Keep a cool head when you’re in a jam by remembering that you can’t be stuck in traffic: You are traffic.” 

    Prepare your vehicle: AAA will rescue 388,000 stranded motorists.

    The 34.9 million Americans hitting the road can get their vehicles road-trip ready with a full-vehicle inspection. AAA forecasts it will respond to more than 388,000 calls for help over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Get key components checked, including the battery, fuel system, tires, brakes, and fluid levels – and make sure your vehicle’s emergency kit is fully stocked. 

    Forecast Methodology
    In cooperation with AAA, IHS Markit– a world leader in critical information, analytics and expertise — developed a unique methodology to forecast actual domestic travel volumes. The economic variables used to forecast travel for the current holiday are leveraged from IHS Markit’s proprietary databases. These data include macroeconomic drivers such as employment; output; household net worth; asset prices including stock indices; interest rates; housing market indicators and variables related to travel and tourism, including prices of gasoline, airline travel and hotel stays. AAA and IHS Markit have quantified holiday travel volumes going back to 2000.

    Historical travel volume estimates come from DK SHIFFLET’s TRAVEL PERFORMANCE/Monitorsm. The PERFORMANCE/Monitorsm is a comprehensive study measuring the travel behavior of U.S. residents. DK SHIFFLET contacts over 50,000 U.S. households each month to obtain detailed travel data, resulting in the unique ability to estimate visitor volume and spending, identify trends, and forecast U.S. travel behavior -all after the trips have been taken.

    The travel forecast is reported in person-trips. In particular, AAA and IHS Markit forecast the total U.S. holiday travel volume and expected mode of transportation. The travel forecast presented in this report was prepared the week of April 11, 2022.

    Memorial Day Holiday Travel Period
    For purposes of this forecast, the Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as the five days from Thursday, May 26 to Monday, May 30. The five-day holiday length is consistent with previous holiday periods.

    About AAA
    Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA provides roadside assistance, travel, discounts, financial and insurance services to enhance the life journey of 62 million members across North America, including 56 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA has to offer or to become a member, visit AAA.com.

    About INRIX
    INRIX is the global leader in connected car services and transportation analytics. Leveraging big data and the cloud, INRIX delivers comprehensive services and solutions to help move people, cities and businesses forward. INRIX’s partners are automakers, governments, mobile operators, developers, advertisers, as well as enterprises large and small.

    About S&P Global
    S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) provides essential intelligence. We enable governments, businesses and individuals with the right data, expertise and connected technology so that they can make decisions with conviction. From helping our customers assess new investments to guiding them through ESG and energy transition across supply chains, we unlock new opportunities, solve challenges and accelerate progress for the world. We are widely sought after by many of the world’s leading organizations to provide credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help the world’s leading organizations plan for tomorrow, today. For more information, visit www.spglobal.com.

    About DKSA
    DK SHIFFLET boasts the industry’s most complete database on U.S. resident travel both in the U.S. and worldwide. Data is collected monthly from a U.S. representative sample, adding over 60,000 traveling households annually and is used daily by leading travel organizations and their strategic planning groups. DK SHIFFLET is an MMGY Global company.

  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife shares boating safety tips in support of National Safe Boating Week

    Enjoy the water, but always do so with a life jacket on – they save lives!

    DENVER – As boat ramps open and warmer temperatures entice people to recreate on the water, Colorado Parks and Wildlife urges people to wear a life jacket and boat responsibly this summer.

    In honor of National Safe Boating Week, May 21-27, 2022, CPW is promoting safe boating tips to educate outdoor enthusiasts on how to take caution on Colorado waters while enjoying water sports like boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming and fishing.

    With increased visitation in outdoor spaces throughout the state, water-based recreation remains a popular pastime in Colorado. There have already been four drownings in Colorado this year. In 2021, there were 22 total drownings in Colorado, which was down from the 34 drownings in 2020. That 2020 figure is the highest number of drownings on record in the state.

    “We recommend all boaters and passengers wear a life jacket while on the water at all times,” said Grant Brown, Boating Safety Program Manager for CPW. “Regardless of your age or experience level, the data shows that life jackets save lives. We want people to have fun on the water and not be afraid of it, so we encourage you to bring the proper safety gear so you have a positive outdoor experience.”

    Before heading out on the water, Colorado Parks and Wildlife advises the following boating safety tips:

    It is important that boaters take into account the risks that weather can present while recreating on the water. Dangerous weather conditions that raise concerns are unpredictable strong wind gusts that can knock a paddleboarder or kayaker into the water, and cold water temperatures that exist year-round in Colorado.

    In addition to recreating responsibly on Colorado’s waters, boaters are reminded to help keep state waterways clean from aquatic invasive species. Colorado lakes and reservoirs are free of invasive mussels, but more boats were found with mussel infestations in 2021. Mussels are destructive to aquatic habitats and can seriously damage reservoir infrastructure and cause problems on boats.

    For more information on boating safety, visit cpw.state.co.us. To learn more about aquatic nuisance species and CPW’s program, visit: https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/ISP-ANS.aspx
    or read the Boater’s Guide to ANS Inspections.

  • Nephew Convicted of Stealing More Than $100,000 from Disabled Aunt

    Nephew Convicted of Stealing More Than $100,000 from Disabled Aunt

    Brighton, CO — Today, 17th Judicial District Attorney Brian Mason is announcing the At-Risk Theft conviction of Hilario Morehouse, 42. An Adams County Jury found Morehouse guilty on Friday, May 13, 2022, after five days of trial. 

    In 2008, Hilario Morehouse became the legal guardian and power of attorney for his disabled aunt who was in a care facility due to multiple sclerosis, dementia, and other health issues. As a result of the guardianship, Morehouse was in control of his aunt’s finances which included monies from a pension, a previous settlement, and funds owed to her minor daughter.


    Between 2008 and 2019, Morehouse stole more than $100,000 from his disabled aunt who is non-verbal and is completely dependent on facility staff for all of her care. Morehouse claimed that his non-verbal aunt said he could use her $848 a month pension for himself. Morehouse also said that he spent some of the money on his minor cousin but was unable to provide any documentation or receipts to corroborate his claim. The defendant stole the majority of a $75,000 settlement which was intended to be used for the care of the at-risk victim’s minor daughter. 

    On Friday, May 13, 2022, Morehouse was convicted of:

    • Theft–At Risk Victim (F3)
    • Theft (F4)

    Morehouse will be sentenced on July 19, 2022, at 8:30am in Division M. 

    “The actions of this defendant are truly abhorrent. Mr. Morehouse preyed on a vulnerable, at-risk adult – his own aunt – and stole over $100,000 of her money, undoubtedly believing he would never be caught.  We will not tolerate this criminal behavior. Individuals, like Mr. Morehouse, who prey on the vulnerabilities of our elderly and at-risk will be prosecuted and held accountable,” said District Attorney Brian Mason..”

    The prosecution of this case was led by Chief Deputy District Attorney Alex Baker and Deputy District Attorney Danny Paulson of the Financial Crimes Unit in the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

  • Sheriff’s Office Asking for Help Finding Victims

    Sheriff’s Office Asking for Help Finding Victims

    CENTENNIAL- On May 18, 2022, Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested ERIK OLDHAM, age 37, on the charges of

    18- 3-405(1)(2) Sexual Assault on a Child F3
    18-3-405.3 (1)(2) Sexual Assault on a Child (Position of Trust) F3 18-3-403(1.5) Unlawful Sexual Contact F4
    18-3-305(1) Enticement of a Child F4
    18-2-101 Criminal Attempt F4

    OLDHAM was the owner and coach of A+ Athletics in Centennial until August of 2021.
    In late 2021 a victim came forward with information about inappropriate behavior with an athlete by OLDHAM.
    OLDHAM is being held on a no-bond hold.

    If you or someone else believes they are a victim of OLDHAM, the Sheriff’s Office would like to speak with you.
    Anyone with information is requested to call Investigator Schell at 720-874-4042

  • CPW reminds boaters, paddlers to be cautious in windy conditions and to know the dangers of cold water

    A woman sets off on her water outing Friday at Chatfield State Park, wisely with a life jacket on

    DENVER – As Colorado’s weather starts to warm and paddle sport enthusiasts come out of hibernation, Colorado Parks and Wildlife would like to remind them to be careful of the windy and cold water conditions.

    The best safety precaution one can take is to wear a life jacket at all times while out on the water.

    “We see a large increase in requests for help from kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders during windy conditions,” said Kris Wahlers, Park Manager at Chatfield State Park. “It’s not unusual for paddlers to plan to stay close to shore, but get blown across the lake or into spots difficult to get out of when wind comes up.”  

    Getting blown off course can happen very quickly and is difficult to return from because of a headwind and waves. People use a lot of energy paddling and maintaining balance making it harder to paddle in those conditions.  

    What’s worse, it is easy to lose your balance and get separated from your paddleboard or kayak in windy conditions. It’s best to avoid being in those conditions from the get-go, and that plays into the responsibility of the user to know before you go.  

    Check the weather report before you come to the lake and watch the conditions while you are there. 

    “Wind typically moves in from the west in the early afternoon, pay close attention to that direction and time to avoid being caught unaware,” Wahlers added. “If you do get caught, it’s best to wait for conditions to improve or to walk along the shoreline if possible. Anytime you’re paddling, the easiest way to stay safe is to wear your life jacket.”

    Power boaters need to be aware as well.  

    “It’s generally easier for power boats in windy conditions while everything is in good working order,” Wahlers said. “If they lose power, that can change very quickly.”  

    Boaters are asked to make sure their boat is in good working order, bring plenty of fuel, an anchor if they need to keep from moving during a power loss and a paddle if they need to move. A good rule of thumb for anchoring is to have three times more rope than the water is deep, so 150 feet of rope in 50 feet of water. Not having enough rope doesn’t allow the anchor to set well and it could work itself out.

    Take precautions to protect your​self from the heightened dangers of sudden, unexpected cold water immersion while on early and late season boating outings, especially on small boats.

    “Anglers, swimmers, paddlers and all boaters must be aware of the risks of cold water,” Wahlers said. “Paddlers and any boater on the water can take precautions and prevent being suddenly thrown overboard, swamped or stranded in cold water.”

    Sudden immersion in cold water can cause gasping and inhalation of water and hypothermia, resulting in unconsciousness or swimming failure as muscles become numb. Wearing a life jacket will keep your head above water and support your body should your swimming ability fail or you become unconscious.

    CPW officers have noticed a lot of people overestimate their ability to ‘swim out of a problem.’ Because of this, CPW recommends anyone out on the water wear a life jacket.

  • Visitors to public lands strongly encouraged to #KnowBeforeYouGo this summer

    Visitors to public lands strongly encouraged to #KnowBeforeYouGo this summer

    Federal, state and county agencies remind everyone to plan ahead when visiting public lands, know the specific conditions and regulations, and bring what’s necessary for a safe experience.

    DENVER – With visitation to northern Colorado Front Range trails expected to increase over the holiday weekend and beyond, a group of eight federal, state, and county land managers remind visitors to plan ahead before heading to public lands. Visitors are encouraged to have safe, enjoyable outdoor experiences while helping to preserve natural areas for future generations.

    Public land agencies with lands along northern Colorado’s Front Range remind visitors to “Know Before You Go” and prepare for your visit over Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer, including:

    • Anticipate what you will need for your activity and know your limits. Local public land agencies continue to see sustained high numbers of rescues. Don’t take unnecessary risks. Wear appropriate clothing for cold, wet, or changing weather conditions and look at the weather forecast and trail information for your specific destination. Tell people where you’re going and when you plan to return. Make sure to bring food and water.

    • Know which public lands allow dogs on trails, and which don’t.  Know when leashes are required, and always pack out waste. Pack extra water for your pup; dogs can suffer from heat stroke just as humans do. Dog waste does not biodegrade and negatively impacts water quality. Be prepared to pack out all dog waste when receptacles aren’t available.

    • Know how to handle wildlife encounters. Understanding how to coexist with wildlife is an important part of a safe recreation experience. Be aware if you will be visiting areas with wildlife and learn ahead of time how to safely manage encounters for you and the animal. Always keep your distance.

    • Plan for where you will park and have alternatives. Be flexible and have an alternate plan in case the parking lot is full. Look at park information ahead of time to see whether a reservation is required. Take shuttles to popular recreation areas and check parking lot cameras if available. Be aware that illegally parked vehicles will be ticketed.

    • Stay on the trail. Walk through mud to avoid widening the trail and damaging resources. If you need to step off trail to let others pass, avoid stepping on vegetation. Help protect sensitive wildlife habitats by staying on trail and out of wildlife closure areas.

    • Be careful with fire. Know that a fire can start from the smallest spark or prolonged heat on dry tinder. Remember to check local fire bans or restrictions.

    • Know and follow all rules and regulations. Review agency rules and regulations before heading to the trailhead as individual areas may have special restrictions or guidelines. Note that higher elevations can still have snow this time of year, and some roads may still be closed. For areas or activities requiring reservations, check far in advance.


    Watch Video: Tips from Colorado Front Range Public Land Managers: Know Before You Go 
    Listen: Colorado Outdoors podcast discussing the NoCo PLACES 2050 collaboration

    The group of public land agencies who participated in this joint release remind visitors to view critical advisories and trail maps BEFORE planning visits to public lands:


    Visitors can also download the following trail apps developed with support from local municipalities, counties, the State of Colorado, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and Great Outdoors Colorado:


    Media Contacts:


    These messages are part of a broader effort by eight agencies collaborating on ways to address the challenges of high visitation and a growing population in northern Colorado’s foothills and mountains. Called NoCo PLACES 2050, this collaboration is committed to sustainable solutions, equitable actions, and beneficial land management practices for the long-term conservation of public lands in Colorado and the quality of the visitor experience. Learn about NoCo PLACES 2050.

  • Get outside and celebrate Colorado Public Lands Day on May 21

    Get outside and celebrate Colorado Public Lands Day on May 21

    DENVER – Colorado Parks and Wildlife, along with partners from federal, local and state agencies, are all celebrating Colorado Public Lands Day on Saturday, May 21, 2022. Free events, stewardship projects and outdoor adventures are being offered across the state to highlight the importance of our public lands. 

    Colorado Public Lands Day is an annual opportunity to give back to our lands and connect communities across the state. 

    “Not only do public lands conserve critical habitat for fish and wildlife, but they also sustain a vibrant economic engine for Colorado,” said CPW Acting Director Heather Dugan. “Whether it’s tourism, hunting, fishing, camping, hiking or dirt biking, our public lands are a vital part of Colorado’s allure and natural beauty.”

    Colorado became the first state in the nation to establish its own public lands day in 2016 when Governor Hickenlooper signed the bipartisan bill into law. The purpose of this holiday is to celebrate the significant contributions that national, state and local public lands within Colorado make to wildlife, outdoor recreation, the economy and to Coloradans’ quality of life.

    Some Colorado state park events on May 21 include:

    • Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area: Annual Cleanup Greenup
    • Lathrop State Park: Colorado Public Lands Day Geology Hike
    • Mueller State Park: Hike to Dynamite and Cahill Cabins
    • Barr Lake State Park: Park cleanup

    For event information, visit cpw.state.co.us/copubliclandsday. 
    Additional events can also be found at copubliclandsday.com.

  • May in the Mile High City: Heavy snowfall forecast for Denver area

    May in the Mile High City: Heavy snowfall forecast for Denver area

    AccuWeather meteorologists expect a general 3-6 inches of slushy snow to accumulate on non-paved surfaces around downtown Denver, while the foothills to the west and the Palmer Divide to the south could pick up a foot or more on non-paved surfaces from Friday night to early Saturday.

    AccuWeather Global Weather Center – May 20, 2022 – The calendar may read mid-May but parts of Colorado, including the Denver metro area, are bracing for a storm that would make winter proud. AccuWeather forecasters say the 93-degree AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperature that roasted the Mile High City on Thursday will be a distant memory by Friday and into the early part of the weekend.

    Winter storm watches and warnings were in effect across a large section of Colorado and northward into Wyoming, and for good reason. AccuWeather meteorologists are calling for 3-6 inches of accumulation in downtown Denver and some places on the southern and western side of the Denver metro area could see as much as a foot of snow pile up, enough to potentially result in widespread power outages.

    Red flag warnings were in place for much of eastern Colorado on Thursday — a sign of how changeable the spring weather can be in Colorado at this time of year.

    A rush of cold air will bring an end to temperatures in the 70- to 90-degree range, and it will also allow rain to transition into accumulating snow from Montana to Colorado as a storm arrives from the Northwest. In some locations, snowfall totals could even surpass a foot.

    Denver will plummet at least 50 degrees from high of 88 Thursday to the mid-30s Friday morning. In fact, the temperature fell by 21 degrees in just 7 minutes between 7:37 p.m. and 7:44 p.m. MDT on Thursday evening when the cold front moved through Denver. Temperatures may struggle to rise more than a few degrees Friday before dipping to the upper 20s Friday night with snow in the forecast. The old record low of 31 that was set in 2019 is poised to fall.

    May in the Mile High City: Heavy snowfall forecast for Denver area (Full Story) >>

  • 2 seasons in 2 days as cold air, snow return to central US

    “With trees leafing out in the lower and intermediate elevations, even a few inches of wet, clinging snow can cause problems ranging from limbs breaking to power outages and blocked roads,” cautioned AccuWeather Senior Storm Warning Meteorologist William Clark.

    AccuWeather Global Weather Center – May 19, 2022 – Residents from the Rockies to the Plains to the Midwest have had weather more representative of the middle of summer over the past several days, but AccuWeather forecasters say that the warmth is about to come to an abrupt end with some locations plunging back into winter.

    Thursday will be the final warm day in the region with temperatures ranging from the 80s F in Denver, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Valentine, Nebraska, to the century mark or above in Amarillo and Lubbock, Texas.

    A strong cold front will begin to dive southward through the northern Rockies on Thursday night and continue its southward journey through Friday.

    Precipitation associated with the front will start off as rain in Wyoming and Colorado, but as temperatures tumble after the passage of the cold front, the rain will eventually change over to snow later Friday and Friday night.

    Denver has the potential to get an unusual late-season snow accumulation with a few inches of snow in the forecast.

    R2 seasons in 2 days as cold air, snow return to central US (Full Story) >>