A major snowstorm is set to dump up to 10 inches of snow at Colorado’s Eisenhower Tunnel through Wednesday, creating hazardous travel conditions along I-70 and mountain passes. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for drivers as this early-season storm impacts high-elevation areas.

Meanwhile, Denver International Airport continues to experience widespread flight delays following Monday’s thunderstorms, which dropped over an inch of rain in the metro area. While Denver itself won’t see snow, the abrupt weather shift signals winter’s approaching arrival across Colorado.

Denver Weather Update: Snowstorm at Eisenhower Tunnel to Bring 10 Inches, Flight Delays Continue After Thunderstorms

Major Snowstorm Hits Eisenhower Tunnel with 10 Inches Expected

The Eisenhower Tunnel area is preparing for significant snowfall with up to 10 inches expected through Wednesday, as a powerful storm system sweeps across Colorado’s high country. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for hazardous travel conditions, particularly along Interstate 70 and surrounding mountain passes.

Elevations above 10,000 feet will bear the brunt of this early-season snow event, potentially impacting major transportation routes. Meteorologists predict the heaviest snowfall will occur between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, with snow rates reaching 1-2 inches per hour during peak intensity.

Key areas affected include:

• Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel (8-10 inches)
• Berthoud Pass (9-12 inches)
• Loveland Pass (7-9 inches)

Early September snowstorms always catch many drivers unprepared. I’ve seen too many sedans with summer tires struggling on I-70 this time of year. The mountains don’t care what month it is on the calendar!

Historical September Snowfall Comparison

Denver International Airport Faces Ongoing Flight Delays After Thunderstorms

Denver International Airport (DIA) continues experiencing significant flight disruptions following severe thunderstorms that moved through the Front Range on Monday. Over 300 flights were delayed with average wait times exceeding 90 minutes, while 27 flights were canceled outright.

Airport officials expect operations to gradually normalize by Wednesday afternoon, though passengers should prepare for residual delays. The storms brought 1.3 inches of rain to Denver proper, causing transient flooding that affected airport access roads and ground operations.

Current conditions at DIA:

• Southwest Airlines: 15% of flights delayed
• United Airlines: 22% of flights delayed
• Delta Air Lines: 8% of flights delayed

This is why I always recommend flying early in the day during Colorado’s September monsoon season. Afternoon thunderstorms disrupt nearly 60% more flights than morning weather events.

I-70 Travel Conditions and Potential Closures

As the snowstorm intensifies, Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) crews are monitoring I-70 closely for possible closures. While the highway remains open as of Tuesday morning, conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly with:

• Visibility dropping below 1/4 mile in blowing snow
• Traction law likely being implemented by Tuesday evening
• Potential for temporary closures at higher elevations

CDOT warns travelers to pack emergency supplies including blankets, food, water, and a full tank of gas. The department has 75 snowplows prepositioned along the I-70 mountain corridor and is conducting pretreatments with magnesium chloride.

Many forget that Eisenhower Tunnel sits at 11,158 feet elevation – that’s higher than most Colorado ski resorts! When they say ‘winter conditions,’ they mean business up there.

Recommended I-70 Travel Items

Denver Metro Area Weather Forecast

While the mountains brace for heavy snow, the Denver metro area will experience a different weather pattern. The city can expect:

• Tuesday: Showers continuing (0.5-1″ additional rain)
• Wednesday: Cloudy and cool (High 55°F)
• Thursday: Gradual clearing (High 62°F)

The temperature swing of nearly 30 degrees from Sunday to Wednesday marks one of the most dramatic September cool-downs in recent years. This sudden shift has caught many residents unprepared, with local retailers reporting a run on space heaters and warm clothing.

Native Denverites know September is the most unpredictable weather month. I’ve seen 80°F days and blizzards within 48 hours – sometimes it feels like Colorado skips autumn entirely!

Early Snowfall Impact on Colorado Ski Resorts

The unexpected September snowstorm is bringing early-season excitement to Colorado’s ski industry. While most resorts won’t open for another 6-8 weeks, this natural snowfall provides valuable moisture for building base layers.

Projected snow totals for ski country:

• Summit County (Breckenridge, Keystone): 8-12 inches
• Vail/Beaver Creek: 7-10 inches
• Telluride: 6-9 inches
• Steamboat: 5-8 inches

Arapahoe Basin, typically the first to open in Colorado, has begun monitoring temperatures for possible snowmaking. However, resort officials caution that sustained cold is needed before considering an early opening.

Ski patrollers tell me this storm’s snow quality is actually quite good – low water content means light, fluffy powder. Too bad it will likely melt before opening day!

Earliest Opening Dates for Colorado Ski Resorts