October 10 - Today in Denver weather history

October 10, 7:47 AMDenver Weather ExaminerTony Hake

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October 10 - Today in Denver weather history.

Snow is the dominant story for October 10th as we look back in the weather history books.  In a bit of a coincidence, we are expected to get our first snow of the season starting tomorrow.

In 1949 – Boulder was hit by what was believed to be the worst winds in the city’s history.  Over $100,000 in damage was reported and winds measured 85 mph in Valmont.  Denver received its fair share of high winds as well damaging trees, power lines and breaking glass.  Gusts to 70 mph were recorded at Stapleton International Airport.

In 1964 – A 13 year old boy was struck by lightning and killed in south Denver while riding his bike on a tree-lined residential street.  An apparent microburst caused a 54 mph gust to be recorded at Stapleton.

In 1986 – From the 10th to the 11th the first significant snowstorm of the season hit Denver bringing 2 to 5 inches of snow and 5 to 10 inches west of town.  As is typical with heavy, wet snow caused some power outages as Stapleton International Airport measured 3.1 inches.  The cold front caused quite a drop in temperatures from a high of 73 on the 10th to a high of only 33 on the 11th.  The temperature on the 11th was a record low maximum for that date. 

In 1969 – From the 10th to the 12th the second major snowstorm in less than a week hit the Denver metro area.  Nearly a foot of snow fell with 11.0 inches being recorded at Stapleton International Airport and drifts in some areas accumulating up to 2 feet deep.  52 degrees was the high temperature on the 10th but that was in stark contrast to the low of 10 degrees recorded on the 12th.  East and west of Denver highway travel was restricted due to drifting snow and trees, power lines and telephone lines in the metro area were damaged from snow and ice.