May Day snow storm hits Colo., Wyo., Midwest

May Day snow storm hits Colo., Wyo., Midwest

DENVER (AP) — People in parts of Colorado and Wyoming pulled puffy jackets, hats and umbrellas out of the closet again today for another round of wet spring snow.

The May Day snow storm was making travel difficult on Interstate 70 in Colorado’s mountains and along Interstate 80 in southeastern Wyoming, but the snow wasn’t having a major impact on Denver’s airport, though there have been de-icing delays.

Nearly 3 feet of snow is possible in the foothills and mountains of northern Colorado while around a foot is expected at lower elevations in parts of both states. By midday, over a foot fell at Rocky Mountain National Park. The heavy snow caused power and heat outages there and in Cheyenne.

Parts of the Midwest were also getting rare May snow.

South Dakota’s largest city, Sioux Falls, got its first May snowfall in 37 years. A winter storm warning was also in effect for parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The storm is welcome in Colorado and Wyoming because it boosts the snowpack that provides the region’s water supply. Both states are in a drought but have benefited from several rounds of spring snow. However, the recent storms have largely missed southwestern Colorado, which remains dry and at risk for wildfires.

About 5 inches were forecast for Denver, where the snow was making the roads a sloppy mess. The snow wasn’t sticking much to the pavement, still warm after recent temperatures in the 70s, but it clung to grassy areas and flowers.

Denver native Chris Lujan said he’s never worn a top coat, scarf and hat on May 1st before. Greg Notz just put his hood up and wasn’t fazed.

“I expect this. Yup. It’s better than living where it’s warm and dry and nice all the time. At least we get a variety,” he said.

Snow in May hits Denver roughly once every three years. July and August are the only months that snow hasn’t been recorded there, National Weather Service forecaster David Barjenbruch said.