CHEYENNE, WY – A powerful and rare May snowstorm is currently pummeling the Rockies, bringing heavy, wet snow to Wyoming and Colorado. The storm has already forced major highway closures and is providing a much-needed, though disruptive, boost to the region’s record-low snow totals.
Highway Closures and Travel Alerts
Travel has come to a standstill in several areas. Interstate 80 is currently closed in both directions between Cheyenne and Laramie due to dangerous, slushy conditions. Additionally, I-80 eastbound is shut down from Rawlins to Laramie.
Authorities are warning drivers that Interstate 25 and Interstate 70 (east of Vail) will likely become snow-covered and slippery through Wednesday. Officials advise avoiding travel in the foothills and high country if possible.
Snowfall Totals and Local Impact
The storm is delivering significant accumulation across the Front Range:
- Cheyenne, WY: Already recorded 3 to 8 inches. This marks the city’s wettest single day since late September.
- Estes Park, CO: Reports of up to one foot of snow have already come in.
- Denver, CO: Totals are expected to range between 2 to 6 inches, with higher amounts in the southern and western suburbs.
Because this is a “heavy, wet” snow, officials are concerned about downed trees and power outages. The weight of the snow on leafy trees can easily snap branches, potentially blocking local roads and cutting off electricity.
A Rare May Event?
While May snow is unusual for most of the U.S., it is not unheard of in the “Mile High” region. Denver averages about 1 to 3 inches of snow in May. However, this year’s storm is particularly notable because the region has been suffering from a major “snow drought.”
Before this storm, Cheyenne was nearly 43 inches below its seasonal average—the second-driest season since the 1880s…