Xcel Energy crews work on a power line. Photo courtesy: Xcel on X

Xcel Energy reported thousands of power outages in northeast Denver and northwest Aurora on Saturday due to the storm. Some local businesses were temporarily closed due to the outages. Check the status of an outage on the Xcel website https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/outage-safety/check-outage-status. On X, the company said crews were working safely to restore power quickly. ” We appreciate your patience and support as we work to get the lights back on.”

The storm moved out Sunday after dumping a total of 20 inches of snow at Denver International Airport.

The City and County of Denver offices closed as of 1pm Friday. The closures included the Denver Public Library and city recreation centers, which are now open again.

Public safety, emergency response, traffic operation and snow removal did continue , City officials said. Plow drivers were busy plowing and dropping deicing materials on main streets in Denver as needed.

The residential street plows were activated starting at midnight Friday. Those plows take a single pass down the center of each side street. They don’t bring streets to bare pavement but remove the top few inches of snow to make the roads more passable and help drivers get to the main streets, according to City officials.

The wet and heavy snow weighed down tree branches. Residents were advised to remove the snow from trees with a broom if the trees are clear of utility lines. For emergency tree removal in Denver, call 311. Property owners are responsible for clearing tree debris on their property and public right-of-way areas.

Denver residents may set out up to 10 bundles of branches (maximum 4 inches in diameter, 4 feet long, and 50 pounds per bundle) on their large item pickup day.  Branches can also be dropped off at the Cherry Creek Recycling Center. Visit: https://denvergov.org/recycling for hours.

Residents are cautioned to avoid downed power lines and report them to Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-1999. If a power line is in contact with a tree or other object, call 911.

Businesses in Denver must clear sidewalks immediately after a snowfall. Residents have until the next day and are required to clear snow for safe access, including ADA ramps and bus stops.

Local cold weather shelter programs were activated through this Saturday morning including 24/7 shelters at at the Stone Creek shelter (former Best Western hotel), 4595 Quebec St. and at city facilities located at 2601 W. 7th Ave., and 375 S. Zuni St.

Individuals in need of shelter are encouraged to go to the City’s “front door” shelter access points (denvergov.org/findshelter), which have also expanded capacity for the cold weather. Front door shelters include:

• For individual men – Denver Rescue Mission Lawrence Street Community Center, 2222 Lawrence St.
• For individual women – Samaritan House, 2301 Lawrence St.
• For youth ages 15-20 – Urban Peak, 1630 S. Acoma St.
• Families in need of shelter should call the Connection Center at 303-295-3366.

For more information about shelter access, visit denvergov.org/findshelter.

Denver International Airport and RTD are both operating for travelers. Check on your flight or train schedule.

Denver Public Schools were closed on Friday and many businesses closed early. Many scheduled events have been postponed this weekend.