Colorado Governor declares weather emergency

On Thursday evening, Governor Jared Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency due to the forecast of wintery weather starting Friday and lasting into Saturday morning. Another 9-12-inches of snow is expected in the Denver Metro Area, with parts of southern Colorado expected to see upwards of 1-3-feet of new powder. 

The disaster declaration allows the Governor to deploy Colorado National Guard members to provide winter storm support. It also activates the Colorado State Emergency Operations Center and the State Emergency Operations Plan. The declaration also directs the Office of Emergency Management to assist those areas hit the hardest by the storm. 

In addition to the emergency declaration, Governor Polis authorized State government offices along the Front the Rant to move to remote work. State agencies can close public-facing offices at their own discretion throughout the day. Some facilities in Southern and Southeastern Colorado will likely close for the full day. The public is directed to consult specific facilities or agencies for more information. 

State facilities essential to public health and safety will maintain regular operating hour and essential staff will report as usual. 

Forecasters predict the storm will develop throughout the day. The Governor's Office said that the disaster declaration allows the state to have proper resources in place to respond to emergency situations as the storm gets worse.