A heavy snowstorm in Denver forced authorities to cancel thousands of flights over the weekend.
The region has recently suffered a severe drought, with parts of the state experiencing “abnormally dry” conditions and much of the state experiencing severe droughts.
DENVER, CO – MARCH 13: Cars drive along I-25 when it starts to snow on March 13, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Ciaglo / Getty Images)
The snowstorm will therefore bring much-needed relief, while wreaking havoc on trips across the state.
TEXAS SEES MULTIPLE TORNADAS TOUCHING DOWN AS THE SERIOUS TIME HAPPENS THROUGH THE
The National Meteorological Service issued winter storm warnings, with some areas seeing up to 23 centimeters of snow during Saturday night and projections of up to 60 centimeters on Monday morning.
A snowplow clears the streets of heavy snow during a winter storm in Boulder, Colorado, USA, on Saturday, March 13, 2021. Photographer: Chet Strange / Bloomberg via Getty Images
The travelers tried to avoid the storm, but 750 flights were canceled during the day. All Sunday flights were canceled, totaling more than 2,000 flights over the weekend.
COLORADO ACTIVATES NATIONAL GUARD AS ‘BLOCKBUSTER BLIZZARD’ IS WAITING TO EXPLORE STATE WITH SNOW
Denver International Airport was designed to receive up to 27 inches of snow, CBS 4 Denver reported.
Workers use a wheelbarrow to collect chairs from an outdoor dining area in Larimer Square, while a snowstorm strikes west of the mountain on Saturday, March 13, 2021, in Denver. Meteorologists even predicted a meter of snow with the storm, which started slowly around noon on Saturday. (AP Photo / David Zalubowski)
Governor Jared Polis activated the National Guard before the storm, advising residents to stay home and safe.
As the massive storm hits the west, FLOOD, TORNADOS, HORSE POSSIBLE THROUGHOUT THE SOUTH
“Let me advise you – you don’t want to be one of those people who need to be searched, found and rescued,” said Polis. “I encourage you to be in a safe place right after sunrise from Saturday to Sunday afternoon, if it is snowing in your area, until conditions become safe.”
Pedestrians struggle with the wind as they move east along Colfax Avenue, as a snowstorm strikes west of the mountain on Saturday, March 13, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo / David Zalubowski)
Transit authorities have also closed roads and highways, with the Colorado Department of Transportation asking residents not to take unnecessary trips.
Heavy, damp snow can also cause power outages. Utilities like Xcel Energy – which is estimated to serve about 1.5 million customers in Colorado – are signaling workers to start preparing for a potentially hectic weekend.
Authorities are working to prevent the closure of major highways, such as I-70, but road conditions remain difficult.
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Denver International Airport advised travelers to check their flight status before heading to the airport, creating unnecessary traffic and delays.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.