Pueblo, CO – Travelers heading into Colorado’s central mountains this weekend are being urged to check weather and road conditions before leaving, as heavy wind-driven snow is expected to create hazardous travel from Friday night into Saturday, according to the National Weather Service in Pueblo.
Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories are in effect across the Continental Divide and central mountains, where bands of intense snowfall—combined with strong winds—may produce blowing snow, whiteout conditions, and rapidly deteriorating visibility. The worst travel impacts are expected tonight through Saturday evening.
Forecasters say snow will begin intensifying late Friday, with peak hazardous conditions expected overnight. Heavy, wind-driven snow may make mountain passes particularly treacherous, including areas near Monarch Pass, Cottonwood Pass, and other high-elevation routes.
In addition to the snow, increasing winds will spread across the mountains overnight into early Saturday morning. Gusts could reach as high as 60 mph across higher elevations and the lower eastern slopes around dawn, increasing the likelihood of drifting snow and dangerous crosswinds for drivers.
The NWS advises travelers to slow down, allow extra following distance, and account for extended drive times. Roughly 70% of snow-related injuries occur in vehicles, officials noted, stressing that overnight and early morning hours pose the highest risk.
Warnings currently extend through 11 p.m. Friday to 11 p.m. Saturday for affected central mountain zones. Road condition updates are available through the Colorado Department of Transportation at cotrip.org.
Residents, skiers, and holiday travelers are encouraged to monitor forecast updates as conditions may change quickly.
