A late spring snowstorm slams Colorado, closing schools and disrupting commuters

FORT COLLINS, Colo. — A late spring snowstorm slammed parts of Colorado on Wednesday, closing schools, delaying flights and creating slushy conditions for commuters.

The storm, which swept through the Rocky Mountains and High Plains on Tuesday, is expected to weaken before ending Wednesday afternoon, but not before leaving heavy, wet snow aloft.

A winter storm warning was in effect through the afternoon, with 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) of additional snow expected in Fort Collins, Boulder, the Denver metro area and Castle Rock, the National Weather Service said.

“We expect roads to be slippery during heavy snow showers, but at lower elevations any road accumulation will melt quickly as snow showers subside,” the Denver Weather Service office posted online Wednesday.

The small mountain town of Jamestown, Colorado, near Boulder, recorded 16.2 inches of snow early Wednesday, the weather service said. Estes Park, near Rocky Mountain National Park, reported 17 inches of snow Tuesday evening.

Officials in the city of Boulder, which received nearly 6 inches (15 centimeters) of snow late Tuesday, notified residents of downed trees and branches, encouraging them to avoid being under or near those with heavy snow accumulation.

Denver was facing what could be its biggest snowfall of the season. Denver International Airport, which experienced some delays and cancellations early Wednesday, recorded 3.7 inches of snow as of 2 a.m., the weather service said.

Temperatures also dropped. Denver, which was in the 30s Wednesday morning, activated its plan to shelter from the cold.

Warmer temperatures are expected to return Thursday, the weather service said.

The state’s largest school district, Denver Public Schools, and other major area districts and middle schools canceled Wednesday classes due to the weather.

The ominous forecast did not deter thousands from attending David Guetta’s show at Red Rocks Amphitheater Tuesday night, although organizers moved up the start time by an hour in hopes of getting fans home before the worst of the storm.

Spectators bundled up in winter coats and fur hats lined up to enter the outdoor venue.

The storm caused the Colorado Rockies to postpone two games against the New York Mets. But it happens most often during Denver’s spring baseball season, including four times in 2015, according to MLB.

May snows are not uncommon in Colorado. They are even more common in Wyoming’s capital, Cheyenne, which is nearly 1,000 feet (300 meters) higher than Denver and cooler all year round. Wyoming is also windier than Colorado, pushing snow into drifts that must be cleared if gusts persist.

April was warmer than usual and little precipitation, with Denver missing an inch of rain (2.5 centimeters) and 2.8 inches of snow (7 centimeters) last month compared to normal.

For some farmers, who felt the pressure of Colorado’s lingering drought, the snow was an opportunity.

Adam Jones, who runs Unsung Family Farms in Longmont, told KMGH-TV he planted carrot seeds a few days ago to take advantage of the rainfall.

“You can’t get that even distribution with drippers or sprinklers,” he said. “There’s nothing like starting seeds with snow or water.”

Jones, however, had to move the most weather-sensitive crops indoors, with a heater to keep them warm.

Unsettled weather isn’t limited to the Rockies.

Severe thunderstorms with a risk of tornadoes were possible in the Southeast on Wednesday.

Some of the strongest storms were expected from Arkansas to Georgia.

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McCormack reported from Concord, New Hampshire. AP reporter Jaimie Ding contributed from Los Angeles.