Major snowstorm targets Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana and New Mexico
A powerful winter storm is impacting the Rocky Mountain region this Tuesday, May 6, bringing heavy snowfall, hazardous road conditions, and heightened risks of power outages due to snow-laden tree limbs and stressed utility lines. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an array of winter storm warnings and advisories stretching across Montana, Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Utah.
Colorado faces intense snow accumulations
The NWS in Pueblo reports that between 12 and 24 inches (30–60 cm) of snow are forecast in parts of southern Colorado, especially within the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Wet Mountains, and near Pikes Peak. Localized totals may reach 36 inches (91 cm) over the highest ridges and summits. These dramatic snowfalls are set to impact areas above 8,000 feet, with the heaviest bands developing late Tuesday into Wednesday morning.
Montana, New Mexico, and adjacent states under alert
Winter storm warnings are in effect across the northern and central Rockies, especially in higher terrain of western and southern Montana and north-central New Mexico, where accumulations between 8 and 18 inches (20–46 cm) are possible.
Meanwhile, winter weather advisories cover parts of southwestern Wyoming and northern Utah, including regions around Rock Springs, Evanston, and the Wasatch Range, where lighter snowfall will still make travel hazardous due to slick roads and reduced visibility.
Why it matters: damage risk and travel dangers
According to the NWS, the wet and heavy snow could break tree branches, down power lines, and disrupt electrical service, especially in areas with leafed-out trees. Motorists should anticipate rapidly deteriorating road conditions, particularly along mountain passes and high-elevation roads such as US-50, US-160, and Interstate 70 through the Rockies.
“If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency,” warns the NWS.
