Winter weather arrived in Southwest Colorado this morning as predicted, with snow flying before 8 a.m.
A storm system moving from the west swept Southwestern Colorado and is expected to increase in intensity into Tuesday morning.
The National Weather Service in Grand Junction issued a winter storm warning for the San Juan Mountains, and chain laws are in effect on U.S. Highway 550 at Coal Bank, Molas and Red Mountain passes as well as on U.S. Highway 160 at Wolf Creek Pass.
Today's high should be about 36 degrees and the low should dip into the mid 20s overnight during the snow storm.
National Weather Service meteorologist Michael Charnick said the heaviest snow fall is expected Monday night.
"Snow likely won't accumulate Monday or through mid-afternoon," he said. "Overnight is when you'll see the most accumulation. Travel will be slippery once the snow sticks and water freezes, and definitely in the mountains, travel is going to be pretty dangerous with strong winds and snow blowing."
The storm is forecast to bring four to eight inches of snow to the Pine River Valley and 12 to 18 inches in the high country. Charnick said snow will taper off in town around noon Tuesday with lingering showers at higher elevations.
jpace@durangoherald.com
