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The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for an incoming storm that’s expected to hit Southwest Colorado on Tuesday afternoon and last through Christmas Day.

The advisory takes effect at noon Tuesday and lasts through 6 p.m. Wednesday. It includes the towns of Silverton, Hesperus and Rico.

During that time, up to a foot of new snow could fall in the high country of the San Juan Mountains. The Weather Service said travel over Coal Bank, Molas and Red Mountain passes could be very difficult.

“Slow down and use caution while traveling,” the Weather Service said. “The latest road conditions for the state can be obtained by calling 5-1-1.”

The chance of snow in the high country will linger until Saturday night.

In Durango and the surrounding areas, the chance of snow begins Monday night. From Tuesday to Wednesday, the Weather Service expects 2 to 4 inches of snow could fall in Cortez, Durango and lower elevations in Southwest Colorado.

The Weather Service says there’s also a chance of snow at lower elevations until Saturday.

Travel information

The Colorado Department of Transportation reminds motorists to check for updated weather information:
Visit
www.cotrip.org
for real-time road conditions, highway closures, average speeds, photos, live cameras streaming traffic, trucking information and more.
Call 511 to listen to recorded information about road conditions, projected trip travel times and trucker information.
Receive free email/text alerts at
www.codot.gov/travel
; choose from a list of subscription options at the “get connected” tab.
Follow @coloradodot on Twitter for traveler information and other news.
Like CDOT at
www.facebook.com/coloradodot
to receive news and traveler information.
Visit
www.codot.gov/travel/winter-driving
to get information about road conditions, what to keep in a vehicle during the winter, how to safely pass a snowplow, commercial-vehicle requirements, seasonal closures, snow removal and avalanche control.
Herald Staff