Snow Storm Warning Expected in the Rocky Mountains

“Travel could be very difficult to impossible at times, especially late Tuesday,” warned meteorologists as a late-season snowstorm approaches the Rocky Mountains on May 4, 2026.

Winter Storm Warnings have been issued for parts of Wyoming and Colorado. Forecasts predict snowfall totals of 10 to 24 inches across the Front Range foothills and Rocky Mountain National Park. The storm arrives just as many prepare for Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

The weather is expected to create hazardous travel conditions along major routes. I-80 between Cheyenne and Laramie could see 8 to 16 inches of snow from Monday night through Wednesday noon. Meanwhile, a separate Winter Storm Warning covers Arlington and Elk Mountain along I-80, predicting 5 to 10 inches of snow.

Heavy snow will likely lead to whiteout conditions with wind gusts reaching up to 45 mph. Cheyenne could accumulate between 4 and 8 inches of total snow before the storm exits the area by Wednesday afternoon.

The historic problem spot remains the stretch west of Rawlins toward Bitter Creek and the Continental Divide, where drift heights have reached four feet in past storms. As colder air filters in behind the front, heavy snow is expected across the central Rockies.

The National Weather Service advises travelers to exercise caution. With warmer conditions expected to return Thursday, many hope for clearer skies after the storm passes.