Note: An updated version of this article with the latest conditions as of 4:30 a.m. can be read here.

Starting during the early morning hours Monday, a blizzard warning will be in effect across much of southeast Colorado along the borders with Kansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.

Sunday morning, the blizzard warning included Baca, Las Animas, eastern Costilla, and southern Huerfano counties, as well as neighboring some New Mexico counties. By midday, the warning had expanded to Cheyenne County in Colorado, along with a large portion of western Kansas. Further expansion shortly before 3:00 p.m. included Kiowa, Prowers, and Bent counties in Colorado, as wells as additional areas in New Mexico, Oklahoma panhandle, and northern Texas.

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Four to 15 inches of snow are possible, with wind gusts between 60 and 70 miles per hour expected. Blizzard conditions are predicted to persist through early Tuesday morning. The heaviest snow amounts are expected to remain south of Highway 50, mainly in Baca and Las Animas counties. Snowfall rates could reach three inches per hour.

Further north, and winter storm warning was issued for Kit Carson County, as well as northern Lincoln, most of Elbert, and portions of Douglas and El Paso counties. The warning takes effect at midnight Sunday, and will continue through 2:00 p.m. Monday. Three to 7 inches of snow are expected in those areas.

At 4:00 p.m. Sunday, school closures were already being announced. Cancellations for Lamar, Granada, and Wiley in Prowers County, and McClave in Bent County had been announced. School sports activities were also being postponed.

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High temperatures Monday are expected to remain at or below freezing, dropping into the low teens or even single digits Monday night. Look for wind chill to be a concern with the low temperatures and strong winds.

A high wind warning will be in effect Monday for Otero and Crowley counties, along with portions of Lincoln, Elbert, El Paso, and Pueblo counties. Gusts up to 70 mph are possible. Snow accumulation in those areas is generally expected to remain below an inch, though a few areas may see higher amounts.

Across the region, snow is expected to diminish by Monday night

Later in the week, temperatures are expected to drop below the freezing mark and remain there into the weekend. High temperatures Thursday will be around or slightly above freezing before dropping into the single digits. Some areas may fall below zero Thursday night.

Friday and Saturday, highs in the 20s are forecast before dropping back to around zero each night.

Travel in the area will become difficult over the next 24 to 36 hours, with blowing and drifting snow likely to result in road closures. Delay travel in the warned area if possible. If travel cannot be postponed, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility, and leave extra space between your vehicle and those ahead of you. Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle.

If you become stranded while driving, stay with your vehicle. Run the engine 10 minutes every hour for warmth, and insure the exhaust pipe is clear to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Check the latest road conditions by calling 5-1-1, or visit https://COTrip.org.