Three winter storms are headed for Southwest Colorado, according to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction.

The Weather Service issued a winter storm warning from 8 p.m. Thursday until 5 p.m. Saturday for Bayfield, Ignacio, Durango, Mancos, Pagosa Springs, Cortez and Dove Creek.

According to meteorologist Dennis Phillips, a rain/snow mixture was predicted to begin Thursday afternoon, and it was expected to change to snow as temperatures dropped last night.

Snow will continue this morning, with a few inches of accumulation predicted, Phillips said.

During the day Friday, weather models show scattered precipitation until the next storm moves in Friday night through Saturday afternoon, with moderate to heavy snowfall possible.

The Weather Service expects 5 to 10 inches of accumulation at lower elevations, including Durango.

In the high country, 12 to 18 inches may fall from the two storms this weekend.

Phillips said the region will experience a break in the weather Sunday afternoon until another storm moves in Sunday night through the first part of next week.

Phillips did not have an estimate of snow accumulation for the third storm, but said he "definitely expects more snow."

The National Weather Service said in its warning that travel will be affected, with visibility likely reduced to under a half mile at times while moderate to heavy snow falls.