Winter Storm Warning Issued for Gore and Elk Mountains and Flat Tops Through Thursday Morning
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Colorado mountains, forecasting up to 14 inches of snow and 60 mph wind gusts starting Monday night.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a Winter Storm Warning for high-elevation regions in Colorado. The alert is classified as a severe weather event with high certainty of impact.
Affected Areas
The warning covers the following geographic regions:
- Flat Tops
- Gore and Elk Mountains
- Central Mountain Valleys
What You Should Do
Residents and travelers are urged to prepare for hazardous conditions. If travel is necessary, the National Weather Service recommends keeping an extra flashlight, food, warm clothing, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. For the latest road conditions, residents can call 5-1-1.
Expected Conditions
Heavy snow is expected throughout the warning period. Specific conditions include:
- Snow Accumulation: Total accumulations between 8 and 14 inches, with locally higher amounts possible in some areas.
- Wind Speeds: Wind gusts are expected to reach as high as 60 mph.
- Visibility: Blowing snow may result in near zero visibility at times.
- Impacts: Travel could become very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions are expected to significantly impact the Tuesday morning and evening commutes. Additionally, strong winds may cause tree damage.
Timeline
The Winter Storm Warning is effective during the following window:
- Onset: 11:00 PM MST on Monday, February 16, 2026.
- Duration: The warning remains in effect until 5:00 AM MST on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Source: NOAA Official Notice