Denver's northern metro rush hour began, Wednesday, March 23, with very heavy snow and winds gusting to near 50 mph in some locations, including Denver International Airport. Snow rates of 1 – 2 inches per hour were common and commuters stayed home from work while many schools closed. Commercial trucks were required to use chains within the Denver Metro and a very rare Traction Control requirement was issued for all other vehicular traffic on roadways. Additionally, power outages were numerous throughout the area. An expected 8 – 14 inches of heavy, wet snow is expected before the storm winds down by early evening.