Colorado Springs, Colorado –
Heavy mountain snow and gusty winds could quickly turn travel hazardous across southern Colorado today, with up to 12 inches of snow expected in higher elevations near Pikes Peak and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains by Friday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until midnight MST Friday for much of the central and southern Colorado mountains, including Teller County, northern El Paso County, Lake County, Chaffee County, and the Sangre de Cristo range. Snow will expand through the morning, producing 4 to 12 inches of accumulation, while wind gusts could reach 35 to 45 mph in exposed areas.
The storm is expected to impact major mountain travel corridors including U.S. Highway 50 near Monarch Pass, U.S. 160 over Wolf Creek Pass, and Colorado Highway 82 near Independence Pass. Blowing snow may sharply reduce visibility, especially on higher ridgelines and open stretches of highway.
Communities such as Colorado Springs, Woodland Park, Leadville, Buena Vista, Salida, and Westcliffe could see slick roads as snowfall intensifies during the morning and afternoon.
Drivers are urged to slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and check Colorado’s 511 road conditions service before traveling through mountain passes.
Snow and blowing snow may continue to cause difficult travel through Friday evening before conditions gradually improve overnight as the storm exits the region.
