COLORADO, USA — It's going to be a snowy weekend across western Colorado.
A winter storm arrives Friday morning across Colorado's western mountains, bringing feet of snow to many areas.
Snow showers will push into the High Country Friday morning, becoming heavier during the afternoon.
Winter Storm Warnings and Advisories have been issued for the mountains and western slope Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon. Most of Colorado's western mountains can expect a couple feet of heavy, wet, slushy snow.
Be prepared for hazardous travel conditions through Saturday evening. If you're planning on driving across western Colorado Friday and want to avoid the snow, leave between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The National Weather Service (NWS) said roads will be icy and snowpacked through Saturday afternoon. Winds will gust to 55 mph with blowing snow and poor visibility.
FORECAST: Full forecast
CLOSURES: Full list of closures
ALERTS: Latest Colorado weather alerts
Wintry Colorado weekend
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has urged skiers, backcountry users and spring break travelers to plan ahead.
“Motorists need to be prepared with more than just their outdoor gear when traveling during winter weather conditions,” said John Lorme, CDOT’s director of maintenance and operations. Pack your vehicle with extra food, water, warm clothes, blankets and necessities like medications. Safety closures may happen at any time during severe weather and if you are held up on the highway you want to be prepared.”
“Commercial motor vehicle and passenger vehicle drivers must drive for the conditions and consider the hazards before heading out on the roads,” said Lorme. “If you do not have experience driving in winter weather, please avoid driving in the mountains this weekend. We understand that many folks may be visiting Colorado this weekend and urge them to consider taking CDOT’s Pegasus, Snowstang or Bustang to get to their destinations safely. The more vehicles off the roadway, the easier it is to keep our roads clear of both snow and incidents.”
Colorado's eastern plains will see the passage of the cold front bringing in colder air and a chance for rain or snow this weekend. The Denver metro will see mid 50s Saturday with a few afternoon and evening rain and snow showers.
It'll be a bit cooler Sunday in the lower 40s with a few isolated showers. Warmer, drier weather returns early next week. We’ll dry out with seasonal highs on Monday and then a real taste of spring on Tuesday as highs warm well into the 60s.
WEATHER LINE 9: Updated weather info at 303-871-1492.
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