Ernesto Impacting Puerto Rico and USVI; Dangerous Heat Across the South; Severe Weather and Flooding for the Center of the Nation

Heavy rainfall, strong winds and coastal impacts continue to affect Puerto Rico and USVI as Ernesto tracks northward. Meanwhile, frontal system was lifting northward across the center of the nation with more showers, thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. Heat concerns continue for the Southern Plains, Gulf Coast and most of Florida. Fire Weather and Air Quality concerns linger for Pacific Northwest. Read More >

Overview

A prolonged period of strong northwest flow carried sufficient moisture from a decaying atmospheric river and produced significant snow over the mountains of western Colorado, as well as some northern and central valleys. Snow favored the northwestern and western slopes across the northern and central portions of the forecast area with over 3 feet of snow falling in some areas. Showers began in earnest on Wednesday night, February 5 and into Thursday with heavy snow continuing through Friday before activity diminished Friday night, February 7.

Wind gusts with this storm exceeded 50 MPH, resulting in hazardous travel with reduced visibility in blowing snow. Additionally, snow rates approached 2 inches per hour at times. This severely impacted travel, particularly along I-70 with Vail Pass closing several times throughout the event, often for an extended period of time. Additionally, the heavy snow led to treacherous backcountry conditions and the increased threat for avalanches with the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) having to issue numerous Avalanche Warnings during the event.

Storm Total Snowfall: February 4-7, 2020


Rabbit Ears Pass on February 7, 2020 (Credit: CDOT)	Vail Pass on February 7, 2020 (Credit: CDOT)	Gore Pass on February 7, 2020 (Credit: CDOT)

Photos & Video
Storm Reports

Photos & Video

Heavy snow fell across the Upper Yampa River Basin


Near Oak Creek (Credit: Steve Strickler)	Near Oak Creek (Credit: Steve Strickler)	Near Oak Creek (Credit: Steve Strickler)	Near Oak Creek (Credit: Steve Strickler)