Winter Storm Warning Map Shows States Bracing for More Th...

By Anna Commander

Deputy News Editor

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Portions of Colorado and New Mexico are under a winter storm warning until Thursday morning as heavy snow could impact the area.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple warnings and advisories, alerting millions of Americans to hazardous travel conditions. The active weather threatens to disrupt commutes, potentially close schools, and impact transit hubs at one of the busiest times of the year for travel.

Forecasters are urging residents and travelers to take precautions, as the snowfall could lead to road closures, flight delays and dangerous driving conditions, especially along major interstates and in mountain passes.

Portions of Colorado, including Saguache County east of the Continental Divide below 10,000 feet, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the eastern San Juan Mountains above 10,000 feet, the Upper Rio Grande Valley, the eastern San Juan Mountains below 10,000 feet, the northern San Luis Valley, the central San Luis Valley, the Wet Mountains, the Wet Mountain Valley, the Walsenburg vicinity and the Upper Huerfano River basin below 7,500 feet, are under the warning, according to the NWS.

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The Sangre de Cristo Mountains could see the highest snow accumulation in the state, between 8 to 20 inches. Other areas under the warning in Colorado could see anywhere from 4 to 11 inches.

In New Mexico, the NWS said that the East Slopes Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Northern Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Johnson and Bartlett Mesas, including Raton Pass, are under the warning. Two to 13 inches could be possible under the warning, the NWS said.

"Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday evening commute," the NWS warning said.

Below are maps of the areas in Colorado and New Mexico that are impacted:

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NWS meteorologist Brian Hurley told Newsweek via phone on Wednesday that "mainly west of I-25 is where we are expecting more snow accumulations. The Denver area is still seeing light snow and further south could see more inches near Pueblo.

"The heavier amounts are going to be in those mountainous areas into northern New Mexico. We're also looking at potentially more snow in Northwest Colorado towards the end of the week, but it won't get into the front range much."

The NWS alert noted to travelers: "Persons should consider delaying all travel. Motorists should use extreme caution if travel is absolutely necessary."

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