It started snowing this morning around 4:00am and the storm appears to be intensifying. There is a Winter Storm Warning in effect until 11:00pm tonight so it will be with us all day. Remember that a winter storm warning means hazardous winter weather conditions are imminent or highly likely. Significant snow accumulations are occurring or expected. Strong winds are also possible. This will make travel very hazardous or impossible.
Current indications are that we should receive between 4 and 8 inches of snow. Needless to say the drive home for those working today will be a bit rough. Please allow yourself extra time and take it slow.
As the kids wake up early this morning to see what Santa left them, we are seeing a bit of a nasty storm system move across the area. The National Weather Service has issued a Snow and Blowing Snow Advisory that will remain in effect until 5:00pm Christmas Day. Forecast models are a bit unclear as to how much snow we can expect – anywhere from one to five inches depending on which models we look at. The biggest problem will be the wind blowing things around and causing travel issues for those visiting folks on the holiday. Be sure to be safe and as always, stay tuned to ThorntonWeather.com for the latest.
An interesting article from USA Today today discusses the fact that despite the snow we have recently enjoyed, we can’t rule out drought in 2008. In part it says:
We are pleased to announce that 
Colorado is ranked # 2 in lightning related deaths (1997 – 2006) so the danger this presents to life and property is very significant for us. It is interesting to note though that Colorado ranks only 31st in the number of cloud to ground strikes over that same period. This highlights the fact that, quite frankly, folks here in Colorado are ignorant about the dangers lightning presents and they simply do not take proper steps to protect themselves. For this reason, we have created a 
Updated, 12/22/07, 2:15pm – Back up and running! We have obtained another console, have it all configured, and the site is running as it should. Thank you to all for your patience. 
Mrs. Claus was generous enough to give the hubby his Christmas present a few days early – a lightning detector! These are pretty incredible devices allowing real-time lightning storm monitoring with the ability to detect strikes hundreds of miles away. More details will be coming after the final installation and calibration is complete. If you want a sneak peak, 
Things are finally starting to look nice for us. The recent series of storms is gone for us (and now wreaking havoc on the midwest) and we should be in for a nice week. Temperatures should be in the mid to upper 40’s with clear and sunny skies all week. Friday and heading into Saturday though could bring a change. Current forecast models (below) show a chance for snowfall during that time period but of course this far out it is hard to say for sure. Check back often for the latest! 
Because of the delay, we can expect light snow showers throughout the day, possibly making for a messy commute home. Roads could be slick so be careful out there. The snow will continue till the evening and we can expect between one and three inches total accumulation.