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DENVER (AP) -- Denver and eastern Colorado are bracing for a spring blizzard that could bring the heaviest snow in more than a year.

Wet flakes started falling before dawn, and heavy snow was expected in Denver by midmorning. Dozens of flights at Denver International Airport were canceled by 8 a.m. Thursday in anticipation of heavy snow.

Forecasters predicted 8 to 16 inches of snow in Denver by Friday with gusts up to 40 mph. More than a foot of snow is expected in the foothills west of Denver.

Snow on the Eastern Plains is expected to range from 6 to 15 inches, with gusts up to 45 mph.

Many schools are on spring break this week. Road crews in Denver have begun preparing for snow and possible whiteouts.

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