Reuters AlertNet Lite - Colorado pounded by second powerful snowstorm

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Colorado pounded by second powerful snowstorm

29 Dec 2006 00:51:58 GMT
Source: Reuters

DENVER, Dec 28 (Reuters) - The second powerful snowstorm in little over a week pounded Colorado on Thursday, forcing road closures and airline flight cancellations and making travel dangerous throughout much of the state.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for northeastern Colorado, with 8 to 16 inches (20-40 cm) of snow possible for Denver by Friday morning and prolonged snowfall throughout the New Year's holiday weekend. Blowing snow will make conditions even more hazardous.

"Travel may be difficult if not impossible," according to the NWS bulletin.

Colorado Gov. Bill Owens declared a statewide disaster emergency, his second in as many weeks. The emergency designation activates the Colorado National Guard to help with rescuing stranded motorists, setting up shelters and snow plowing.

Last week, more than 2 feet (60 cm) of snow fell on eastern Colorado, closing major highways, stopping postal deliveries and forcing the closure of Denver International Airport for two days, stranding thousands of airline travelers.

Airport spokesman Chuck Cannon said by late Thursday afternoon that snow from the latest storm was not yet accumulating on the runways and the airport was open.

"Everyone is still standing by to move snow once it starts to stick," he said.

Joe Hodas, spokesman for Denver-based Frontier Airlines <FRNT.O>, said the carrier had canceled 60 outgoing flights on Thursday and 51 for Friday morning in anticipation of deteriorating conditions.

Even skiers and snowboarders hoping to cash in on the snow bonanza may be out of luck. The main highway to the mountain resorts, Interstate 70, was closed on Thursday afternoon because of whiteout conditions and numerous accidents.

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Last updated:Fri Dec 29 00:53:11 2006