Powerful Snow Storm Spawns Tornadoes in Central US

A powerful storm is bringing severe weather conditions to the central US for the second day in a row, with heavy snow, tornadoes, and large hail.

Severe thunderstorms started to form in areas of the Plains and Ohio Valley while heavy snowfall was causing major disruptions in parts of Colorado.

Powerful Snow Storm in Colorado

A man walks through the snow along a street in the Brooklyn borough of New York on January 29, 2022 - A powerful winter storm packing heavy snow and high winds pummeled the US East Coast Saturday, forcing the cancellation of thousands of flights as severe weather alerts were sounded across a region of around 70 million people.
(Photo : ED JONES/AFP via Getty Images)

In the last two days, Colorado has seen quite a bit of snowfall in its mountainous areas, while the city has taken in more than half a foot of snow.

The unusual weather conditions have caused major disruptions, such as the closure of a large section of Interstate 70 (I-70), numerous school closures, and power outages impacting over 100,000 customers, mainly in the Denver area.

Due to the heavy snowfall, more than 800 flights were canceled at Denver International Airport by Thursday afternoon, causing further travel disruptions throughout the state. Although no injuries have been reported as a result of the weather, a few drivers noticed each other temporarily stranded until I-70 reopened. However, it is worth noting that the road is currently closed to trucks until noon on Friday and there is a possibility that it may also shut down for passenger vehicles.

Matt Inzeo, a spokesperson for the Colorado Department of Transportation, emphasized the ongoing attempts being made to ensure that roads remain obtainable regardless of adverse conditions. He strongly advised drivers to be well-prepared with essential supplies like food and blankets in case of any emergencies.

In a situation of adversity presented by the storm, Colorado's ski industry has experienced a significant boost. In any case, the extreme weather conditions led to the closure of several ski resorts. Further, quite a few schools and government offices in the Denver area were closed on Thursday, and it is expected that more closures will occur on Friday, according to NPR.

Impeding Outdoor Activities Amid Snowfall

Power outages persisted across Colorado, affecting more than 53,000 customers, particularly in metropolitan Denver and along the Front Range, according to poweroutage.us.

Supposedly the problems posed by the snowfall, Melanie Brooks and other residents were uneasy by the effect it had on their capacity to relish outdoor activities. Difficult driving conditions made it difficult for them to participate in these opportunities.

The storm, beginning as rain and then transitioning into snow, has been described as a rare phenomenon, especially due to its considerable impact on the eastern portion of the state. However, the impact on the Colorado River's water supply, which is crucial for millions of people in the Western United States, is still uncertain.

As Colorado residents are dealing with the repercussions of heavy snowfall, there are also worries about severe thunderstorms that are posing a threat to a larger area. Spanning over 1,000 miles across the United States, these storms bring the potential for destructive wind gusts, sizable hail, and tornadoes, especially in regions ranging from Texas to Ohio.

Authorities have issued severe weather warnings, urging residents to remain alert and ready. During nighttime tornadoes, it is essential to take certain precautions to ensure your safety. Emergency alerts, fully charged devices, and loud alarms are strongly recommended to protect yourself from the heightened dangers that at night threats pose, KCRA 3 reported.