The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Southwest Colorado in effect from 11 p.m. Tuesday through 11 p.m. Thursday.
The storm is expected to produce the region’s first significant snowfall of the season as two disturbances converge over the San Juan Mountains. Mountainous areas in eastern Utah and central Colorado also will receive accumulating snowfall, the weather service said Tuesday.
Total accumulations of 12 to 20 inches of snow are expected above 8,500 feet in the southwest and northwest San Juan Mountains. Isolated areas may receive up to 30 inches.
Travel could be very difficult, especially over the high mountain passes. Expect snowpacked and icy conditions with blowing snow and poor visibility on all roads.
In Montezuma and La Plata counties, there’s a 20% to 30% chance of rain after 4 p.m. Tuesday, and an 80% to 100% chance of rain Tuesday night. Snowfall is expected after 2 a.m. Wednesday. On Thursday, there’s a 60% to 80% chance of rain mixed with snow after noon.
High temperatures Wednesday are expected to be in the upper 40s and Thursday in the lower 40s. Overnight lows are expected to drop into the 20s.
A detailed map of the snowfall is at www.weather.gov/gjt/winter.