A storm system caused travel disruption along the Interstate 25 corridor.

DENVER – One of the largest snowstorms on record in 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 within four days, snowfall totals reached more than a foot in some parts of the country. Denver metro and approached 3 feet in the southeast region of the state.

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

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard for the hardest-hit counties.

Snow hinders traffic on the roads and in the air

The state Department of Transportation warned of travel difficulties and said some roads could be impassable during Veterans Day weekend.

Due to recent snowfall, several ski resorts were expected to open, causing additional travel issues along the Interstate 70 corridor.

“Adverse driving conditions should be anticipated on I-70 west of Denver to Idaho Springs Saturday morning. Drivers should allow additional travel time. Skiers and cyclists are encouraged to carpool as much as possible to help reduce the number of vehicles on the road, a seasonal shuttle service between the Denver metro area and Summit County ski resorts, will begin December 14, 2024,” CDOT. said in a statement.

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

(Getty Images)

WINTER STORM PAROPLES NEW MEXICO AND COLORADO AS DISASTER EMERGENCIES ISSUE

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

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

According to data from Aware of theftMore than 480 flights were canceled Friday while nearly 800 were delayed due to reduced visibility due to ice and snow.

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 city of Des Moines.

Meter-high snowdrifts and gusty winds complicated rescue efforts in the rural region of the state on Thursday.

New Mexico Gov. 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 supporting local responders as this significant snowstorm persists,” Grisham said in a statement. “I thank all the responders who have been out in the cold since Wednesday to clear the roads, escort people to safety and do what needs to be done to support New Mexicans challenged by this storm.”

Snow accumulation map

(NOAA)

Americans’ generous mood influenced by extreme weather

THE winterA storm similar to this came as a surprise to many, as the region recently experienced one of the driest and hottest Octobers in memory.

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

During La Niña events, the Southwest and southern Rockies tend to experience fewer storms and snowfall deficits, with more moisture during the neutral and positive phases of what is known as the La Niña phenomenon. El Niño – Southern Oscillation.