A storm system has disrupted travel along the Interstate 25 corridor.

DENVER – One of the most significant snowstorms ever to hit the southern Rockies in November dropped feet of snow and snarled traffic along the Interstate 25 corridor in New Mexico and COLORADO.

Snow from the slow-moving storm system began falling on Election Day, and over a four-day period, snow totals reached over a foot in parts of Denver metro and approached 3 feet in the southeastern region of the state.

Winter weather advisories were issued for more than 5 million residents in six states as snowfall totals eclipsed November records set since the 1980s.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis has declared a state of disaster emergency and activated the National Guard for the hardest hit counties.

Snow snarls traffic on the roads, in the air

The state Department of Transportation warned of difficult travel and said some roads could be impassable over the Veterans Day weekend.

Because of the recent snowfall, more ski resorts were expected to open, leading to additional travel headaches along the Interstate 70 corridor.

“Poor driving conditions should be anticipated on I-70 west of Denver to Idaho Springs Saturday morning. Drivers should plan for additional travel time. Skiers and riders are encouraged to carpool whenever possible to help reduce the number of vehicles on the road. CDOT’s Snowstang, a seasonal shuttle service from the Denver metro area to Summit County ski resorts, will begin December 14, 2024,” CDOT. said in a statement.

DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 8: RTD Union Station stop covered in snow in Denver, Colorado on Friday, November 8, 2024. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)

(Getty Images)

WINTER STORM CHILD NEW MEXICO, COLORADO WITH DISASTER EMERGENCIES ISSUED

Denver International Airport received 9.3 inches of snow in 24 hours and just over 18 inches in the three-day period — the most November snowfall in a 72-hour period since 21.5 inches fell at late November 1983, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

Runways remained open at DIA, but hundreds of flights were canceled in and out of the United Airlines hub.

According to data from FlightAwaremore than 480 flights were canceled on Friday, while nearly 800 were delayed as ice and snow reduced visibility.

Blizzard-like conditions trap dozens of cars in New Mexico

Further south, in the northeast New Mexiconearly 100 vehicles were stranded in blizzard-like conditions near the small town of Des Moines.

Snowdrifts of several feet and strong winds complicated rescue efforts in the rural part of the state on Thursday.

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued statewide emergency declarations that released $1.5 million in funding for winter storm response efforts.

“This declaration gives the state more resources to continue to support local responders as this major snowstorm continues,” Grisham said in a statement. “Thank you to every responder who has been out in the cold since Wednesday clearing roads, escorting people to safety and doing what needs to be done to support New Mexicans affected by this storm.”

Snow accumulation map

(NOAA)

DISPOSITIONS OF AMERICANS IMPACTED BY EXTREME WEATHER

The winterThe storm came as a surprise to many as the region recently experienced one of the driest and warmest Octobers in memory.

The Mile High City’s average temperature was eight degrees above normal, while Albuquerque, New Mexico, reported averages more than seven degrees above typical.

During La Niña events, the Southwest and Southern Rockies tend to experience less storm and snow deficits, with more moisture around the neutral and positive phases of what is known as El Niño-Southern Oscillation.