By Sara B. Hansen / NewsBreak Denver
A slow-moving storm dumped snow across Colorado starting Wednesday afternoon and continuing early Thursday.
The wet, slushy snow slowed travel during Wednesday's evening rush hour and promises to do the same for Thursday morning's commute.
Schools, including Denver, Douglas County and Jefferson County, delayed opening, and airlines canceled early flights at Denver International Airport.
Although February is traditionally one of Denver's least snowy months, CBS4 Meteorologist Chris Spears reports that since 2012, February has been the snowiest month of the year more often than March.
This week's storm will help continue that trend.
Snow totals for Feb. 16-17
Here's a list of snow totals as of 5:15 a.m. Thursday from the National Weather Service in Boulder:
Air Force Academy: 2 inches at 8 p.m. Wednesday
Arvada: 5 inches at 9 p.m. Wednesday
Aspen Park: 7 inches at midnight
Aurora: 5 inches at 10 p.m. Wednesday
Boulder: 5 inches at 11 p.m. Wednesday
Broomfield: 5 inches at 7 p.m. Wednesday
Castle Rock: 3 inches at 4 a.m.
Denver: 3 inches at midnight
Denver International Airport: 4 inches at midnight
Englewood: 6 inches at 1:35 a.m.
Erie: 3 inches at 9:16 p.m. Wednesday
Evergreen: 5 inches at 12:31 a.m.
Fort Collins: 4 inches at midnight
Genesee: 9 inches at 9:47 p.m. Wednesday
Greeley: 3 inches at 8 p.m. Wednesday
Lakewood: 4 inches at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday
Longs Peak: 6 inches at 4:15 a.m.
Monument: 4 inches at 9 p.m. Wednesday
Nederland: 7 inches at 10 p.m. Wednesday
Northglenn: 4 inches at 9 p.m. Wednesday
Thornton: 4 inches at 8:17 p.m. Wednesday
Westminster: 4 inches at 8:20 p.m. Wednesday
Wheat Ridge: 5 inches at midnight
Stay safe
When it's slick outside, safety experts recommend walking like a penguin to reduce your risk of slips and falls.
Falls sent more than 8 million people to the emergency room in 2019, according to the National Safety Council. Falls are the country's second-leading cause of preventable injury-related deaths and the leading cause of avoidable nonfatal injuries.
Pinnacol Assurance, Colorado's largest workers' compensation insurer, encourages people to walk or waddle like penguins.
When the temperature dips, you also need to protect yourself from the cold.
Dress for the cold: Wear lightweight layers of loose-fitting warm clothing, keep your head and mouth covered, wear waterproof boots and mittens that fit snugly on your wrists.
Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning: Check or change batteries in carbon monoxide detector, operate generators outside, don't use a gas oven to heat your home, open a window if using a kerosene heater.
Know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning: Chest pain, confusion, dizziness, headache, weakness, upset stomach, and vomiting.
Avoid travel: If you must drive, use snow tires and drive a four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle. You also can use chains or an active traction device. Failing to do can be dangerous and put you at risk for fines up to $650.
Looking ahead
The National Weather Service in Boulder predicts sunshine will return Thursday with a high of 36 degrees.
Sunshine (and melting) will continue Friday and through the weekend, with expected highs in the low- to mid-50s.
Comments / 10