As travelers return home from Thanksgiving, parts of Grand
County could see wind with gusts up to 85 mph and snow accumulation of 4-8
inches.
North, south and east Grand County have been issued a winter
weather advisory and high wind warning Friday into Saturday.
Forecasters say snow will begin in the county this afternoon
with possible thunder snow. Snowfall rates could be more than 1 inch per hour
for parts of the evening, according to the National Weather Service.
Later in the evening, winds will increase quickly,
plummeting wind chill temperatures and reducing visibility in blowing and
falling snow.
West winds 35-45 mph are expected with gusts up to 85 mph.
Forecasters say damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Travel
will be difficult, especially for lightweight or high profile vehicles.
Wind chills as low as -20 could cause frostbite on exposed
skin in as little as 30 minutes, forecasters say.
Drivers should expect low visibility and high winds. They
are advised to slow down and use caution while traveling.
The warnings remain in effect until 6 p.m. Saturday.
Somewhat warmer weather with less wind is expected for the early part of the
coming week.
Winter Park, which opened additional territory Friday, could see up to 4 inches of new snow in the next five days according to OpenSnow.com.