Winter storm warning starts at 10 p.m. tonight

A winter storm warning has been issued by the National Weather Service starting at 10 p.m. tonight.

According to a statement issued this morning, 4-8 inches of snow is expected to fall on the Valley floor overnight. Light snow is forecast to begin late this evening becoming moderate at times by Monday morning. Snow will continue to fall through Monday evening, when the warning expires.

Up to a foot of snow is expected in the foothills and the Virginia Range.

Forecasters are warning snow could create slick roads and hazardous driving conditions for Monday morning's commute. Visibility will be reduced to half a mile at times in the storm.

The Weather Service said that conditions could deteriorate rapidly during the storm and asked motorists to slow down and allow extra time to get to their destination. Chains, food, water, blankets and a flashlight should be in the car in case of an emergency.

A very cold air mass is expected to follow the front on Monday, causing temperatures to plunge Tuesday and Wednesday. Expect temperatures ranging from 10 below zero to 15 degrees on those mornings. The high temperature is not expected to exceed 30 degrees on Monday or 28 degrees on Tuesday.

Forecasters believe a second storm is possible on Thursday and Friday, that will bring slightly warmer temperatures with it. With cold air trapped in the Valleys, that storm will start out as snow and then the snow level will rise to 5,000 feet and fall as snow and rain.

Forecasters say there is significant uncertainty about the amount of moisture that will fall in the second storm.

Today's forecast is for increasing clouds and a high of 38 degrees. The wind will start blowing 10-20 mph at about 10 a.m. and gusty winds of up to 30 mph will blow from 1 to 6 p.m., according to the weather service.