Colorado winter storm warning map shows over 20 inches of snow possible

Portions of Colorado are under a winter storm warning on Friday and into the weekend as snow accumulations up to 2 and 3 feet are possible.

The Centennial State faces one of its first major winter storms of the season, with the National Weather Service (NWS) issuing warnings of significant snowfall that could reach over 20 inches in the northern and central mountain regions.

The weather system threatens to produce hazardous travel conditions along key interstates, risking road closures, transit delays and other disruptions for residents and commuters. Officials urge the public to prepare for unsafe driving conditions and possible emergencies.

According to the NWS, the areas impacted include Flat Tops, Gore and Elk Mountains, Central Mountain Valleys, West Elk, Sawatch Mountains, Elkhead and Park Mountains, Sierra Madre Range, Snowy Range, eastern Sawatch Mountains, western Mosquito Range, east Lake County above 11,000 feet, Rabbit Ears Pass, Rocky Mountain National Park, Medicine Bow Range, the Mountains of Summit County, Mosquito Range and the Indian Peaks.

Additional sites affected include Grand and Summit Counties below 9,000 feet, Wasatch Mountains, Central Mountains, Wasatch Plateau and Book Cliffs, Western Uinta Mountains and Wasatch Back.

Below is a map of the impacted area:

Twelve to 24 inches of snow could blanket Elkhead and Park Mountains, the NWS says, “with locally higher amounts possible,” and wind gusts could reach up to 60 mph.

The Sierra Madre and Snowy Ranges could also see up to 2 feet of snow. The NWS says areas including eastern Sawatch Mountains, Western Mosquito Range and east Lake County above 11,000 feet could see up to 20 inches. Rabbit Ears Pass could experience isolated accumulations up to 30 inches and the Wasatch Mountains could get up to 3 feet, the NWS says.

“Persons should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded,” the NWS says.

NWS Meteorologist Marc Chenard told Newsweek via phone Friday night that the biggest concern is traveling during the snow and high winds.

“Travel will be difficult especially in those higher passes,” Chenard said. “It looks like it will pick up in intensity overnight and into tomorrow. But by tomorrow evening or tomorrow night, it’ll lighten up.”