DENVER – Governor Jared Polis verbally declared a state of emergency Thursday and activated members of the Colorado National Guard as a potentially historic snowstorm ravages the Eastern Plains and Front Range.

Forecasters said snowfall rates of up to 2 inches per hour could dump up to 10 inches of additional snow by the time the storm system moves out of Colorado on Saturday.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Boulder, a winter storm warning will be in effect for the entire Denver metro area from 5 a.m. Friday through noon Saturday due to “heavy, wet snow.” Winter storm warnings are also in effect for Colorado Springs and much of the state further south and through the Eastern Plains, including I-70.

Of particular concern are the commuters navigating the roads on Friday evenings.

“Snow and ice covered roads will make travel dangerous, with the possibility of very difficult or impossible travel. Traveling can be very difficult,” the NWS wrote.

The verbal disaster declaration activates the Colorado State Emergency Operations Center and the state’s emergency operations plan. According to the governor’s office, the state Office of Emergency Management (OEM) can also mobilize resources and take “all necessary and appropriate state actions” to assist with storm response.

Polis also authorized unarmed members of the Colorado National Guard to assist in the state’s response to winter storms.

In addition, Colorado’s governor ordered state employees in government offices along the Front Range to work remotely on Friday whenever possible. In its news release, Polis’ office said state public offices will close based on weather conditions, with facilities in southern and southeastern Colorado likely closing all day Friday.

State facilities essential to public health and safety will remain open and essential personnel will report to work as normal.

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