Powerful FROPA Produces Strong Wind Gusts, Blinding Snow Squalls
By Chris Spears
DENVER (CBS4) - What's a FROPA? It's meteorology speak for frontal passage!
A powerful cold front blasted into Colorado early Monday morning and it gave many along the Front Range a rude awakening.
Blowing snow in #HighlandsRanch. #cowx #4wx @CBSDenver pic.twitter.com/mnfqKMzfRn
— Tom Mustin (@TomMustin) March 6, 2017
Nothing like the power and awe of weather! Nothing! Love a strong FROPA! #COwx #4wx pic.twitter.com/dBZefBsp4F
— Chris Spears (@ChrisCBS4) March 6, 2017
The cold, dense air behind the front was moving with such force that it lifted the air ahead of it high enough to instantly produce a narrow, but intense band of snow.
Although the snow squalls only lasted a few minutes they were blinding at times due to the 40-60 mph wind gusts.
Some areas even reported graupel, or tiny little balls of frozen snow.
Meteorologist Chris Spears writes about stories related to weather and climate in Colorado. Check out his bio, connect with him on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @ChrisCBS4.