Major winter storm to hit area late Thursday

Update, 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13: Information from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has been added.

A major winter storm associated with a strong atmospheric river will bring much-needed precipitation to the area late Thursday through at least Saturday evening, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

A winter storm watch issued for the southwest San Juan Mountains notes that heavy snow is possible, with total snow accumulations between 1 and 2 feet with locally higher amounts up to 3 feet possible. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph.

Expect hazardous travel conditions over a majority of the mountain corridors early Friday through at least Saturday evening before this storm winds down.

Forecasters for both the NWS and CDOT report that snow will be prevalent across southwest Colorado including mountains and valleys. The San Juan Mountains are particularly favored for heavy snow. 

CDOT crews are preparing for winter weather that is expected to hit the region tonight and continue through the weekend. Travelers are advised to be prepared for treacherous road conditions and additional winter safety closures, especially at higher elevations, along all southwest Colorado mountain passes including U.S. 160 Wolf Creek, U.S. 550 Red Mountain/Molas/CoalBank, Colo. 145 Lizard Head and Colo. 149 Slumgullion.

South-central mountain passes like U.S. 50 Monarch, U.S. 160 La Veta and Colo. 114 Cochetopa, will see travel impacts as well.