Colorado braces for major winter storm in May

Driving the news: Much of the Front Range from Fort Collins south through Boulder and down to Castle Rock is under a winter storm watch, with 3–9 inches of snow possible and the highest totals north of I-70 and west of I-25.

• Other areas on the western and eastern sides of the storm can expect 1–5 inches of snow, with the greatest tallies above 8,500 feet.
• Colorado Springs is on the edge of the storm and may avoid the harshest impacts.

The intrigue: The northern mountains and foothills from Red Feather Lakes south to Nederland are expected to see 10–24 inches of snow with more possible above 10,000 feet.

Threat level: The heaviest snowfall is forecast to come late Tuesday through Wednesday morning, and the timing and temperature could produce higher accumulations.

• The low temperature on Tuesday in Denver is expected to fall to 31°, but it could turn colder Wednesday night with a freeze watch and a low in the mid-20s.

What we're watching: On Thursday, the storm clears out with sunny skies and a high near 66°.