How much precipitation did the May storm bring to Southern Colorado?
Snow and rain impacted various parts of Southern Colorado, with most of the precipitation impacting the area on Tuesday.
'We forecast a widespread 1.5″ to 3″ of liquid, with this storm,' said Matt Meister, FOX21 Storm Team Chief Meteorologist. 'We also thought a few spots right up against the mountains could get between 3″ and 5″. We nailed it.'
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor, released on May 1, showed that areas in Southern Colorado were facing drought conditions. This May storm had the chance to help, and even erase some of the drought conditions that surfaced in Southern Colorado after the winter months.
'We've seen drought conditions develop over parts of the region through the winter,' said Meister. 'This probably erases the drought in most cases.'
The latest snow totals across the region show that various areas west obtained the bulk of precipitation, with Victor getting more than a foot of snow.
Parts in Southwestern Colorado are still under a Winter Storm Warning or Winter Weather Advisory until noon on Wednesday.
The Pikes Peak area also received quite a bit of snow, with Pikes Peak – America's Mountain forecasting between 47-52 inches of snow between Tuesday and Wednesday.
Viewers across the area shared a few pictures with FOX21 News, showing off how much precipitation their area had received.
'The nice thing about this storm is the water was able to soak into the ground,' added Meister. 'It fell over an extended period of time versus a quick 20 to 40-minute dump like we sometimes get from seasonal thunderstorms.'
According to the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS), accumulated precipitation was also the highest in the western area, with Manitou Springs and areas of Cañon City accumulating more than 3 inches.
While the bulk of the rain and snow has passed, cities are cautioning individuals about flooding due to the prolonged rainfall. Manitou Springs, which has retained the most rainfall in the Pikes Peak region, reported that due to high turbidity readings, it had paused operations at the water treatment plant and switched to a second water storage tank to continue providing safe and reliable water.
After Wednesday, though, the weather improves for Southern Colorado, with 70s and sunshine on tap for the weekend.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Flash flooding, damaging winds, hail could hit the Midwest this weekend
A prolonged threat of flash flooding, gusty winds and hail pose a risk to those in the Midwest, as strong storms could continue to hit the area this weekend. On Friday night into early Saturday morning, storms swept across parts of the Upper Midwest, bringing wind gusts up to 80 mph and reports of downed trees and power lines. These storms are still continuing Saturday, presenting a risk of flash flooding and strong storms for parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin and South Dakota through late Saturday afternoon and into the evening. These storms will be capable of producing damaging winds, large hail and a couple tornadoes. A persistent flash flood threat will come with these storms on Saturday and Sunday. These storms will begin during the late afternoon east of the Rockies on Saturday, before moving east into South Dakota and nearby areas. Rapid City, South Dakota, should see these storms at approximately 6 p.m. local time on Saturday, whereas other areas nearby, including Aberdeen, South Dakota, and Bismarck, North Dakota, will witness the storms before 11:59 p.m. on Saturday. After moving east, the storms will reinvigorate on Sunday, continuing the elevated flash flood risk for parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin. MORE: Flash flooding hits the Midwest, as dangerous heat stays put in the West This comes after a strong storm dumped 5 inches to a foot of rain in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, area last week, flooding basements of homes, toppling trees and leaving numerous drivers stranded on flooded roads. Along with a flash flooding threat, more than 56 million Americans across 15 states in the Midwest and South are under heat alerts this weekend, with dangerously warm heat indices -- what the temperature feels like with humidity -- ranging from 105 degrees in the Central Plains to 112 in Florida. Temperatures in the South are close or slightly above what is normal for this time of year, but the excessive humidity makes it dangerous for the body, as it needs to exert itself more to cool down. The Northeast will see seasonably warm temperatures throughout the weekend, but less humid conditions, keeping heat indices below 100 degrees across the region. A cold front will push through early next week to bring a drop in temperatures and will also keep Hurricane Erin -- now a Category 5 storm -- out to sea.
USA Today
a day ago
- USA Today
Rare weather phenomenon could dump a month's worth of rain on the Northwest
A rare atmospheric river is unfolding across the Northwest to end the week, with over a month's worth of rain possible in some parts of Oregon and Washington, forecasters said. The rain event should tamp down wildfire danger but will soak anyone camping. The stream of moisture is unusual for the Pacific Northwest at this time of year, which typically experiences drier Augusts. It's forecast to bring 1 to 3 inches of rain to the Cascade Mountains and coastal areas, with varying rain totals elsewhere in both states. 'It's pretty unseasonal – it does happen from time to time but not very often in August,' Tanja Fransen, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Portland, told the Salem Statesman Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network. 'We certainly need it.' The rain began the evening of Aug. 14 and is expected to pick up in a second round the evening of Aug. 15 and morning of Aug. 16, before gradually giving way to sunnier skies on Aug. 17. Between 0.5 and 0.75 inches already fell in the last 12 hours with the heaviest amounts along the coast, the weather service in Seattle reported. In western Washington, 1.5 to 2.5 inches is expected in the coming days. "The storm would be considered formidable even during the middle of the wet season in the winter months," AccuWeather reported. Over a month's worth of rain could fall Rainfall totals from this rain event could surpass usual rainfall amounts for the whole month of August in parts of Washington and Oregon in just a few days, AccuWeather reported. Portland, Oregon, gets an average of just over half an inch of rain in August, and Seattle sees about 0.97 of an inch. Totals could be one to two times this amount, according to the outlet. The western slopes of the Olympic and Cascade mountains could see 4 inches of rain in some spots, AccuWeather said. Some of the rain could dip as far south as Northern California. "The rain will ebb and flow, so expect some periods that are heavier rain, then lighter rain, it may totally stop and then start up again," the weather service in Portland said. Rain a much-needed relief for dry Oregon The rain comes just as Oregon's drought has rapidly expanded and wildfire danger reaches its seasonal peak. More than half of Oregon is now classified as being under a moderate drought and most of the Willamette Valley and northwest Oregon is under a severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. 'It's going to help with the drought and wildfire danger, but it's also not a 'season-ending' event,' Fransen said. Oregon's weather is expected to heat back up again by next weekend and wildfires will remain possible throughout late August and September. Rain is coming starting after midnight tonight through midnight Sat/Sun am. It can be heavy at times. More details in this thread. (1/x) What is an 'atmospheric river'? On the West Coast, atmospheric rivers approach from the Pacific Ocean, carrying tremendous amounts of water. They occur most often during certain weather patterns, including El Niño, which can increase their frequency or intensity, though they can occur in other years as well. Atmospheric rivers are the largest transport mechanisms of freshwater on Earth, according to NASA. These long, narrow corridors of air heavy with moisture are sometimes called "rivers in the sky." How to prepare for an atmospheric river The weather service in Portland said residents should take these steps to prepare for the heavy rain:
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Phoenix area
A severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Phoenix through 10 p.m. on Aug. 13. The warning applied to Maricopa County. Meteorologists warned of winds as strong as 60 mph. Officials warned of hail as large as 0.75 of an inch. A severe thunderstorm was located over Tolleson and was nearly stationary. Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees. News alerts in your inbox: Don't miss the important news of the day, including the latest storm news in Arizona. Sign up for azcentral newsletter alerts to be in the know. Locations impacted include: Phoenix, Glendale, Avondale, Goodyear, Tolleson, Laveen, Cashion, Glendale Sports Complex, Arizona State Fairgrounds, Phoenix International Raceway, Downtown Peoria, Downtown Glendale, and Camelback Ranch. This included the following highways: Interstate 10 between mile markers 128 and 144; Interstate 17 between mile markers 199 and 202; U.S. 60 between mile markers 150 and 160. The National Weather Service warned: "For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Large hail, damaging wind, and continuous cloud to ground lightning are occurring with this storm. Move indoors immediately. Lightning is one of nature's leading killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning." Pouring rain came down in Phoenix on State Route 51 and Indian School Road about 8:40 p.m. while thunder and lightning were reported near Tatum Boulevard and Bell Road. Light rain was seen near Bethany Home Road and 16th Street in Phoenix just before 8:50 p.m. The following highways were also expected to see rain, the weather service said: Interstate 17 between mile markers 215 and 229. Loop 101 between mile markers 22 and 32. SR 51 between mile markers 14 and 15. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Phoenix area Solve the daily Crossword
