More than 100 Flights Canceled at DIA as Heavy Snow Hits Colorado
If you’re planning to fly to or from Denver International Airport (DIA) on Friday and Saturday, make sure to check your flight status before heading out. A significant snowstorm is returning to Colorado on Friday morning, with forecasts predicting nearly two feet of accumulation in some areas.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis declared a disaster emergency on Thursday, authorizing unarmed Colorado National Guard members to assist with winter storm response efforts. The storm is expected to taper off by Saturday afternoon, but its impact will create challenges for travelers at DIA.
On Friday morning, DIA posted on X that snow removal teams are prepared to manage the incoming weather, urging travelers to allow extra time to reach the airport. Unfortunately, many may choose to stay home, as over 100 flights have already been canceled. According to FlightAware at 8:30 a.m., there were 58 flight delays and 185 cancellations at DIA. Most cancellations were attributed to SkyWest Airlines, followed by Frontier with 30 canceled flights. Southwest had the most delays, with 21 flights impacted.
FlightAware’s “Misery Map” indicated that DIA was experiencing significant disruptions, ranking as the second-most affected airport in the U.S., although it fared better than those in New York City. Travelers are encouraged to monitor their flight status through their airline or on DIA’s official website for the latest updates.
Weather Update: What to Expect as Snow Falls
In addition to the flight cancellations, Colorado has already seen over a foot of snow in some areas from earlier storms. A Pinpoint Weather Alert Day has been issued for Friday, with additional snow and rain expected to continue through Saturday morning.
Snow showers will begin moving in from the south on Friday morning, bringing more snow to the Eastern Plains. The storm will intensify for the metro area and Palmer Divide on Friday afternoon, reaching its peak intensity heading into Saturday morning. Snow is expected to wrap up after midnight, with most accumulation tapering off by mid-morning on Saturday.
Winter storm warnings and weather advisories for Denver and the foothills are in effect and will expire at noon on Saturday. Warnings for the plains and southern Front Range will lift by 5 a.m. on Saturday. By Sunday, temperatures are predicted to warm up to nearly 60 degrees, allowing for some melting of the accumulated snow in the metro area.
Total expected snowfall varies across the state, with additional accumulations predicted as follows:
- Castle Rock: 11 inches
- Estes Park: 10 inches
- Boulder: 8 inches
- Denver: 6 inches
Denver has seen traces of snow leading up to this storm, but the incoming system could bring over a foot of snow in some metro areas by the end of the week.
Road conditions are expected to be slick, and several school districts have already canceled classes for Friday. Travelers planning to be on the roads from Friday through Saturday morning should be cautious, particularly in areas like the Palmer Divide and Eastern Plains, where the National Weather Service has warned of major impacts.
Stay Prepared for Colorado Weather
Stay informed about storm updates and changes in the forecast. Here are some helpful resources:
- Interactive Denver weather radar
- Colorado weather alerts
- Business, church, and school closings
- Weather newsletters
- FOX31 News app
Make sure to stay safe and warm during the storm!
