Colorado Governor Jared Polis Declares Disaster Emergency Amid Severe Winter Storm

Colorado Governor Jared Polis has verbally declared a disaster emergency in response to the severe winter weather forecasted to hit the state. The declaration, made on Thursday evening, is in anticipation of a significant snowstorm expected to affect various parts of Colorado, particularly the Denver Metro Area and southern regions, from Friday into Saturday morning.

The storm is predicted to bring 9-12 inches of snow to the Denver Metro Area, with parts of southern Colorado potentially seeing 1-3 feet of new snow. This severe weather prompted Governor Polis to authorize the deployment of unarmed Colorado National Guard members to provide winter storm response support.

The disaster declaration activates the Colorado State Emergency Operations Center and the State Emergency Operations Plan. It also directs the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to take necessary actions to assist affected jurisdictions with their response, recovery, and mitigation efforts. The OEM is further empowered to mobilize state resources and make contracts and awards using Emergency Procurement Procedures.

In addition to the emergency measures, Governor Polis has ordered state government offices along the Front Range to transition to remote work where possible. State agencies have the discretion to close public-facing offices throughout the day, with some facilities in Southern and Southeastern Colorado likely to close for the full day. However, state facilities essential to public health and safety will maintain regular operating hours, and essential staff will report as usual.

The public is advised to consult specific facilities or agencies for more information on closures and operational status. The Colorado Judicial Branch and the Colorado General Assembly have also announced adjustments to their schedules due to the weather, with the Colorado Senate Democratic Caucus holding leadership elections virtually on Friday, November 8.