Front Range Snowstorm: Latest Forecasts, Warnings, Precautions

Latest weather forecast update: 10 a.m. Saturday.

The National Weather Service has issued weather alerts for metro Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins and many other Colorado cities. A winter storm warning will be in effect from 5 a.m. Saturday until 6 a.m. Monday.

"Total snow accumulations of 12 to 24 inches [are] expected, with locally heavier amounts possible near Boulder and Fort Collins," the weather alert read. "Winds could gust as high as 35 mph."

Coloradans should prepare for power outages, and dangerous, impossible travel, weather officials said.

"Conditions will deteriorate Saturday as the storm arrives, but the most severe conditions will likely hold off until Saturday evening," the alert read.

Boulder, Denver's west metro area, Castle Rock and Greeley are among cities that will be hit the hardest, officials said.

"The most severe conditions from deep accumulating snow will likely occur in and near the Front Range Mountains and Foothills where 2 to 4 feet of snow may fall, and along the I-25 Urban Corridor where up to 2 feet of snow can be expected."

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Officials asked Coloradans to stay off the roadways unless absolutely necessary.

"If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency," the warning read.

The Colorado National Guard will be deployed this weekend to respond to emergencies during the snowstorm, Gov. Jared Polis announced Thursday.

The national guard members will work with the state's Emergency Operations Center through Monday at noon to respond to search and rescue requests, Polis said.

"I urge you to stay home if it's going to snow hard in your area so you don't need them to rescue you," the governor said.

The roads need to be kept clear for snow plows, essential workers and emergency crews, officials said.

"Travelers, including ski traffic, should plan to get to their destination Friday, and be prepared to stay through Monday," a weather alert on the COtrip web portal read.

"Snow is expected to be heavy and winds may create blizzard conditions. I-70 up to the Continental Divide and Foothills west of Denver/Boulder may see over 36 inches of snow."

An avalanche watch has also been issued for the Front Range.

"Very dangerous avalanche conditions may develop in the afternoon or overnight on Saturday, March 13, as snow rapidly accumulates during a powerful winter storm," the Colorado Avalanche Information Center said in an alert.

"Avalanches are possible at all elevations and in unusual locations. Backcountry travelers will encounter increasingly easy to trigger avalanches and increasing avalanche size as snow accumulates several feet deep. Expect dangerous avalanche conditions to last into Monday."

>> Read the full National Weather Service warning.

>> You can call 511 to check the latest road conditions, or you can check an interactive Colorado map and road cameras here.