Apparently we can all wake up and stop dreaming, because a white Christmas is coming to Colorado. That's good for dreamers, but bad news for travelers.

The prospect of a white Christmas in the Grand Valley didn't seem so good just a few short days ago. Now, it appears inevitable. The Christmas Day forecast from the National Weather Service calls for rain and snow early, becoming all snow through the day, although significant accumulation is not expected - perhaps an inch.

On the Grand Mesa, significant snowfall is expected with several inches being added to the 23" base at Powderhorn.  In Craig, 1-3 inches of snow is forecast for Christmas Day, with another 2 inches possible Thursday night.

For travelers across the I-70 corridor, winter driving conditions can be expected on Christmas Day and on into Friday with 3-5 inches expected Thursday night.

A winter storm watch is in effect for Denver Christmas night with 4-8 inches of new snow possible. This latest system could drop 3-5 inches Thursday night on Fort Collins, Loveland, and Greeley.

In southern Colorado,  1-3 inches of snow is expected Thursday night in the Colorado Springs area, with lesser amounts in Pueblo. Alamosa will be sunny and cold on Christmas day, with wind chill values in the single digits.

Durango could seen an inch of new snow by Thursday afternoon, with another inch possible overnight.

Travel conditions will deteriorate over the next 48 hours across the state. You will find icy spots today along the I-70 corridor, with Highway 50 basically dry, except for Monarch Pass. And of course, Highway 550 over Red Mountain Pass is snow packed and icy.

Best advice is to give yourself plenty of time if you are traveling so you can slow down, take it easy, and get where you are going safely. It wouldn't be a bad idea to pack a couple of blankets, extra coats, water, candles and matches, and snacks.

 

 

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