More from the Post article:
Northwest and American Airlines have cancelled all flights for today. Southwest Airlines cancelled all flights as of 10:45 today. Frontier is cancelling 32 flights scheduled for after 1:30 this afternoon. And United and United Express are cancelling 210 flights scheduled for this afternoon. Air travelers can avoid lengthy telephone calls by checking on flights over the Internet on www.flydenver.com.
...The National Weather Service advises that travel will become extremely hazardous, if not impossible, later today. Denver is expected to receive 12-14 inches of snow today, and another 10-12 inches on Thursday. El Paso County should receive up to 12 inches today and as much again Thursday. Storm warnings are in place through 5 p.m., Thursday, said the NWS.
And there's one business owner with a keen sense of generosity:
One bright spot in the storm appeared when Udi's Foods received cancellations from nearly 20 companies that had planned to have their Christmas parties or lunches catered today. Owner Udi Baron decided immediately that rather than throw the food away, he would donate it to area shelters.
"We haven't decided yet whom we will give the food to but we want to have it go to various shelters, people who need it," said Udi, who estimated his firm was stuck with about 200 meals they had prepared.
Update: Gov. Bill Owens has put the National Guard on standby. Local news now says Denver could get up to 36 inches before it's done tomorrow.
Update: It's getting worse by the hour. My windows are fogging up and snow is sticking to them. So much for viewing the peaceful snowfall.
Local 9 News has cancelled its daytime programming and is doing live blizzard coverage all day. I'm glued to it. They are doing a really fine job, with reporters all over the metro area. Hear that Howard Dean? Our local news media is up to the task of covering live events.
One man called in from the tarmac at the airport, they've been sitting there for 6 hours, since 7:30 am. They can't see out the windows, the de-icing vehicles got stuck trying to get to them and no one will order them taken back to the gate. There's lots of viewer photos from all over the state on their website.
I just took out my snowshoes and am thinking of going outside to take pictures but it looks so, so messy out I probably won't. But how can you justify sitting in front of the fireplace and drinking hot chocolate when all you've done is sit at a computer all day?
Update: The Governor just mobilized the National Guard.
Update: The guy on the plane just called in again. The American Airlines flight he is on has now been on the tarmac for 8 hours. There was no food for the passengers, 24 muffins the airline attendants refused to give out. They have been 100 yards from the gate. American Airlines has told them they are on their own when they get to the gate.
Update: Pena Blvd. to the airport is closed. So the 2,000 plus stranded passengers will have to camp out at the aiport, probably until tomorrow night or Friday. The Red Cross is bringing hundreds of cots and baby forumula, and so far the restaurants still have food. But there is no reclaiming baggage. Considering tha limits on travel-on toiletries and liquids, toothpaste and water will be at a premium. Just another reason never to pack your medication.
The game between the Nuggets and Phoenix Suns has been canceled. Light rail and the buses are still running from downtown Denver.
There will be great skiing this weekend all over the state.
