The National Weather Service has warned drivers heading to the Colorado mountains that travel will be cold, windy and snowy starting later this afternoon and that even interstate drivers should pack a survival kit.

And worse, forecasters warn that conditions will be life-threatening for any stranded motorists caught outside.

“Winds are expected to gust up to 60 to 70 mph especially along the higher passes reducing visibility to near zero at spots,” said Lisa Kriederman, meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

A blizzard warning will be in effect from midnight until 5 p.m. Wednesday for Western Jackson and Grand Counties including Gore Pass and Rabbit Ears Pass, and Grand Junction.

In addition to high winds, temperatures are expected to drop to zero or below, creating wind chills of -10 to -20 degrees.

The Northern Rockies and Great Basin will encounter the winter weather first, and the Central Rockies including Interstate 70 through Summit County will see worsening weather tonight into Wednesday. Drivers may also encounter blizzard conditions approaching the Eisenhower Tunnel.

“Conditions near the tunnel won’t be as bad as up north, but there will be snow around that area starting tonight,” Kriederman said.

Read more: Blizzard coming to the mountains, single digit temps in metro Denver – The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_16692617#ixzz169O0PpUN