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Roads, schools close amid Colorado spring storm

Boulder, Summit County schools announce closures
Posted at 6:35 AM, May 18, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-18 14:45:12-04

DENVER – A late spring snowstorm moved into the area overnight, prompting officials to close roads and schools across the area.

The Boulder Valley School District canceled classes at four schools Thursday as weather conditions worsened. Nederland Middle/Senior, Nederland Elementary, Jamestown Elementary and Gold Hill Elementary will be closed. All other schools in the district will be operating as normal, officials said.

MORE | See the full list of school closures/delays

Weather conditions have also prompted school officials in Summit County to cancel classes. All schools in the district are closed Thursday. The district had originally announced a delayed start but moved ahead with a full closure hours later.

No other major school districts in the area are reporting closures. However, some districts have delayed or rescheduled school-related activities, including the state track and field championship.

The meet was going to be held at the Jeffco Stadium Thursday, but officials said track conditions won't allow for safe competition. The meet has been postponed to Sunday.

FORECAST | When will things clear up?

Meanwhile, the late-spring snowfall had commuters in the Denver metro area dealing with wet, slushy roads. No major incidents were reported, but traffic on major corridors was slowed as drivers made their way through winter-like conditions. City officials placed Aurora on accident alert during the storm.

If you're heading to the mountains, the Colorado Department of Transportation is reporting icy and snow-packed conditions on Interstate 70 at Vail Pass. CDOT closed the pass around 6:30 a.m. due to safety concerns. There is no estimated time on when it will reopen. Adverse conditions also prompted CDOT to close U.S. 6 at Loveland Pass. A traction law is in effect for passenger vehicles traveling on I-70 through the mountains.

MORE | See real-time traffic conditions from CDOT

While Thursday's storm is unseasonable, Denver is no stranger to big snowfall in May. In six out of the last 10 years, May has been the month the Denver area has gotten its last measurable snowfall for the season. The most snow to ever fall in the month was in 1898, when 15.5 inches of the white stuff fell in the Denver area.

Friday will stay cold and wet with the slushy snow turning mostly back to rain in the metro area.  Snow will continue in the foothills and mountains - mainly above 7,000 feet.