Governor Jared Polis takes decisive action as Colorado braces for a potentially record-breaking November snowstorm.
As reported by KDVR, the Colorado governor has verbally declared a disaster emergency and activated the National Guard in response to an incoming winter storm system expected to blanket the Denver metro area with up to a foot of snow and dump several feet across the Eastern Plains.
The declaration puts multiple emergency measures into motion, including the activation of the State Emergency Operation Center and Emergency Operations Plan. The Office of Emergency Management has been authorized to deploy state resources and implement Emergency Procurement Procedures. This comprehensive response aims to ensure adequate support for rescue efforts as conditions deteriorate throughout the region.
The storm's intensity has already made its presence known, with some areas along the Eastern Plains reporting accumulations exceeding 14 inches of snow by Thursday. Weather experts predict the most severe impact will hit the Denver metropolitan area by Friday afternoon, severely affecting the evening commute. The Colorado Department of Transportation has issued strong advisories against travel in specific regions.
CDOT Director of Maintenance and Operations John Lorme states:
The storm may look like it is leaving later this afternoon, but the next round is expected to be worse than what we have already seen. Drivers should be prepared for long-term closures and should avoid driving in the most impacted areas of the state for the duration of the storm.
The Boulder National Weather Service confirms an additional 36 hours of snowfall remains for portions of Colorado, with some areas expecting snowfall rates of up to two inches per hour, particularly in the Palmer Divide region overnight Friday into Saturday.
Weather forecasts indicate this storm could make history as Denver's most significant single-day November snowfall since 1994. The Denver International Airport is projected to receive between 8 to 12 inches of accumulation during the storm period. These exceptional conditions have prompted state government offices along the Front Range to transition to remote work where possible on Friday.
The storm's trajectory has shifted more northwesterly than initially anticipated, resulting in higher predicted snow totals for Friday and Saturday. The most intense snowfall is expected Friday morning, with accumulation rates exceeding one inch per hour in many areas. This rapid accumulation poses significant challenges for transportation and emergency services.
The impact of this winter storm extends beyond Colorado's borders, affecting neighboring states as well. New Mexico has already declared a state of emergency as the same system left tens of thousands without power before moving northward into Colorado.
The governor's disaster declaration enables a coordinated response across multiple state agencies. The activation of unarmed National Guard members ensures additional support for winter storm response efforts. These emergency measures demonstrate the state's commitment to protecting residents during severe weather events.
Transportation officials have specifically warned motorists to avoid travel east of Interstate 25 and south of Interstate 76 to the New Mexico and Kansas state lines through Saturday. This advisory comes as part of a broader strategy to prevent stranded motorists and maintain emergency access routes.
Governor Polis's disaster emergency declaration mobilizes Colorado's comprehensive winter storm response, activating the National Guard and emergency operations to combat a severe weather system threatening the region. The storm is expected to bring historic snowfall amounts to various parts of the state, particularly impacting the Denver metro area and Eastern Plains.
The state government has implemented multiple measures, including remote work arrangements and travel restrictions, while emergency response teams prepare for rescue operations. As the storm continues through Saturday, officials remain focused on maintaining public safety and providing necessary assistance to affected areas.
