What to expect: Colorado storm brings rain, snow and freezing temperatures Wednesday

DENVER (KDVR) -- Wednesday will be a Pinpoint Weather Alert Day due to a storm expected to bring cool temperatures, rain and as much as six inches of snow in parts of Colorado.

While there won't be snow in Denver, commuters should watch out for wet roads and residents should be prepared for cool temperatures and freezing temperatures.

Timing

The storm will mainly take place across the Front Range on Wednesday, but snow showers already moved into the southwest and central mountains on Tuesday morning. The National Weather Service is tracking snow that will spread northeast through Tuesday and the Pinpoint Weather team said there will be more scattered showers in the afternoon and evening.

Overnight on Tuesday, Pinpoint Weather Meteorologist Travis Michels said more moisture will build and bring snow to the mountains near the foothills and around Interstate 70.

By Wednesday morning, Michels said the Denver metro and Front Range have a chance for a scattered mix of rain and snow, but that should taper off into noon and end by the evening hours.

The Palmer Divide and the foothills will have better chances to see some accumulation on Wednesday, especially going up above 7,000 feet, but Michels said the Palmer Divide should only see a light dusting, mostly on grassy surfaces.

By Wednesday evening, there could be some partial clearing and pockets of sun should hopefully dry out a few roads. The precipitation and any icy spots on the roads will be gone by midnight Wednesday, according to Michels.

Totals

Denver most likely won't see any snow, aside from some grassy accumulation in the west and south, but areas toward the Palmer Divide and the foothills should see some snow. Meanwhile, mountain towns should get the most snow, with some places expected to receive up to six inches.

Here are the areas with the highest snow totals forecasted, as of Oct. 29:

• Vail: 6 inches
• Telluride: 4 inches
• Steamboat Springs: 3 inches
• Eagle: 3 inches

While snow isn't expected around Denver, residents should still prepare for cold temperatures and communities with higher elevations may notice impacts in the morning commute on Wednesday.

What to expect

The biggest impact will be on people heading in and out of the mountains, starting at the foothills. Roads at higher elevations will be icy and the NWS said people should be prepared for slippery conditions. As of Tuesday morning, Loveland Pass is already covered in a dusting of snow. Meanwhile, the roads in the metro will stay wet.

If you are headed into the high country the next two nights, be sure to use caution, especially on secondary roads that could refreeze as the sun sets.

While the snow may not be a problem for Denver residents and the risk for ice is low in the metro, people should be prepared for the colder temperatures.

Michels said the first hard freeze is expected in the metro Wednesday night, and residents should winterize their homes by Wednesday.