Heavy Rain is Likely Across the Mid-Atlantic States Today Along With Potentially Damaging Wind Gusts; Critical Fire Weather in the Great Basin

Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are expected today across the Mid-Atlantic and forecast to contain heavy to excessive rainfall. Numerous instances of flash flooding are possible in southern Virginia and north-central North Carolina. Severe thunderstorms are also possible across the northern Great Plains today. Elevated to Critical Fire Weather located across the Intermountain West. 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)

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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)

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Heavy Rain is Likely Across the Mid-Atlantic States Today Along With Potentially Damaging Wind Gusts; Critical Fire Weather in the Great Basin

February 4-7, 2020 Winter Storm Summary