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Steamboat Springs — A Pacific storm is expected to bring high winds and 4 to 8 inches of snow to Steamboat Springs by Sunday afternoon.

The National Weather Service in Grand Junction on Saturday afternoon issued wind and snow advisories for Steamboat Springs, and a winter storm warning for much of western Colorado.

"A strong Pacific storm system will move through the area tonight, bringing winter-like conditions," states the snow advisory for the Upper Yampa River Basin. The advisory is in effect from 9 p.m. today to noon Sunday.

"Be prepared for snow-covered raods and limited visibilities...and use caution while driving," the snow advisory states. "The combination of heavy snowfall and strong winds will create hazardous winter driving conditions in all the high mountain passes. Travelers should prepare for these conditions before traveling through the mountains of western Colorado and northeastern Utah this weekend."

The wind advisory is in effect until 8 p.m. tonight

Wind and snow advisories will also be in effect through Sunday afternoon in Craig, where 2 to 5 inches of snow is expected.

In a winter storm warning for Aspen, Vail, Crested Butte, and as far north as Toponas, the National Weather Service predicts 8 to 16 inches of snow by Sunday evening. That warning is in effect from 6 p.m. today to 6 p.m. Sunday.

"This will make travel very hazardous or impossible," the warning states.

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