Snow Storm Xylia

On Sunday, March 14th, people bunkered down in their houses as a massive snowstorm dumped about 19.1 inches of snow right onto Denver. Wind speeds gusted through the city at 21 mph, blowing the snow in every direction. Main roads were plowed frequently but smaller roads accumulated about a foot of snow, making it extremely difficult to drive anywhere.

Snowstorms, like other storms, form when moist air rises into the atmosphere and makes clouds as it cools down. However a snowstorm needs cold air in order to lower the temperatures of the cloud even more.

The water droplets in the cloud freeze (they are also known as ice crystals at this stage) and stick together making snowflakes. When the cloud gets too heavy it drops the snowflakes onto earth.

This particular snowstorm dropped a lot of snow because lots of moist air had risen into the atmosphere during the hotter days last week.

Many people are referring to this snowstorm as Snowstorm Xylia. It is said to be the 4th biggest snowstorm in Colorado history. The 1st biggest happened in December 1913, which poured 45.7 inches of snow onto Colorado.

Snowstorm Xylia caused many major roads like I-70 and I-25 to be closed, as well as many businesses. In this weather, cars often get stuck and the roads can be very icy. So residents are encouraged to drive slowly and safely.