80 mph winds to blast parts of Colorado on Friday

Bundle up and hold onto your hats, Colorado.

Heavy mountain snow and windy conditions will dominate the forecast from Thursday evening into Friday, with parts of the state expecting up to 18 inches of fresh powder.

A high wind warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for parts of the Sawatch and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges with winds expected to hit 80 miles per hour during some higher elevation gusts. Consistent winds of 30 to 40 miles per hour will likely be present. Gusts up to 65 miles per hour are expected at lower elevations. The warning is in place from 8 AM to 11 PM on Friday and includes towns of Trinidad and Walsenburg.

The National Weather Service has also issued a high wind watch to take effect from Friday morning through late Friday evening. West winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 70 mph are expected in spots including Estes Park, Glendevey, Nederland, Red Feather Lakes, Bailey, Central City, Evergreen, Georgetown, Idaho Springs, Westcreek, Fort Collins, Hereford, Loveland, Nunn, Arvada, Boulder, Golden, Lakewood, and Longmont.

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High wind conditions may make travel difficult for high profile vehicles, especially over mountains passes. Tree limbs could also be blown down and power outages will be possible. Prepare ahead of the storm by securing loose objects, and closing all windows and doors

Editor’s Note: All weather statements and snow accumulations are subject to change. Check the official  Colorado Department of Transportation website for up-to-date information on road conditions and the  National Weather Service for updates on incoming storms. For your mountain forecast, we recommend visiting  OpenSnow.