Pueblo, Colorado – Heavy snow and 55 mph wind gusts will make travel dangerous over Wolf Creek Pass and Cumbres Pass through 11 p.m. Friday, with up to 12 inches falling above 10,000 feet along US-160 and US-550.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for the eastern San Juan Mountains, where additional snowfall up to one foot is expected with blowing and drifting snow sharply reducing visibility. Wind gusts up to 55 mph will create whiteout conditions at times, especially along west-facing slopes and exposed ridgelines.
Travel may become impossible at higher elevations.
Lower elevations across the San Luis Valley and along the I-25 corridor near Pueblo and Trinidad will see 1 to 4 inches of snow through Friday evening. Road conditions may deteriorate quickly during heavier bursts, particularly on bridges and untreated secondary highways.
Farther south in New Mexico, a fast-moving cold front will trigger snow squalls across Farmington, Gallup, and Albuquerque during the Friday morning commute. The National Weather Service in Albuquerque reports visibility may drop to one-quarter mile with wind gusts up to 45 mph along I-40 and I-25. Snowfall rates could approach 1 inch in about one hour.
Rapid visibility drops will create sudden travel hazards.
Drivers should reduce speed immediately during squalls and avoid travel over high mountain passes if conditions worsen.
Snow tapers off in Colorado late Friday night, while New Mexico conditions improve by early afternoon. Another weak disturbance may bring light mountain snow to the central Rockies by Sunday. Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect for the eastern San Juan Mountains through 11 p.m. Friday.
