Denver, CO – SNOW! As the winter season returns to the Rockies and Central Plains, meteorologists are reminding drivers to understand the difference between a Winter Storm Advisory and a Winter Storm Warning — especially before traveling on I-70 through the mountains or across open sections of I-80 in Nebraska and Kansas.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a Winter Storm Warning is issued when heavy snow, sleet, or ice is expected or ongoing. In the Rockies, that can mean more than 8 inches of snow in a 12-hour period, or strong winds creating blizzard-like conditions. Warnings signal high confidence that travel will become dangerous or impossible, especially at higher elevations.
A Winter Weather Advisory, by contrast, means lighter snow or ice is expected but could still make driving difficult. Even minor accumulations can cause slick roads, especially on bridges, rural highways, and mountain passes such as Vail Pass or the Eisenhower Tunnel.
The NWS notes that thresholds for these alerts vary by location. For instance, what triggers a warning in Kansas might only qualify as an advisory in Colorado’s high country, where heavier snowfall is more common. Sudden bursts of snow and gusty winds can also create “ground blizzards” that reduce visibility to near zero across the open plains.
Residents and travelers are urged to check weather.gov for real-time alerts, carry emergency kits, and avoid unnecessary travel when warnings are in effect.
