Heavy Snowfall Alert: Colorado Mountains Brace for Winter Storm

The National Weather Service has issued a warning for a winter storm set to hit Colorado's mountains, with significant snowfall expected. The storm is anticipated to affect areas along the Interstate 70 corridor, making travel challenging. A winter storm warning is in effect from midnight Friday until early Sunday morning. The heaviest snowfall is expected near Rabbit Ears Pass along U. S. Highway 40, close to Steamboat Springs. Forecasters predict between 8 and 18 inches of snow, with wind gusts reaching up to 55 mph. These conditions could make driving extremely difficult or even impossible. In addition, a winter weather advisory is in place from Saturday morning through Sunday morning for several counties, including Grand, Summit, Park, and Clear Creek. These areas, which include mountain passes and the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels on I-70, could see 4 to 12 inches of snow. Wind gusts up to 45 mph are expected, which could also make travel very difficult.For the rest of the mountain region, a hazardous weather outlook is in effect, warning of moderate snowfall from Saturday through Sunday morning. This means that while the snow may not be as heavy as in the warned areas, it could still cause some travel disruptions. Winter storms in Colorado are not uncommon, but they can be dangerous if people are not prepared. It's important for residents and travelers to stay informed about the weather and take necessary precautions. This includes checking road conditions, having an emergency kit in the car, and avoiding unnecessary travel during the storm.