Colorado State Highway 82 closed in both directions over Independence Pass as portions of Colorado turned into a winter wonderland on Tuesday. 

The highway is currently closed between mile marker 47 and 72. There is no estimated time of reopening, according to the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office.

Pitkin Community Traffic Alert – Mile Marker 47 – 72 on Highway 82 is closed in both directions going over Independence Pass due to weather and road conditions. Expected length of this event is unknown.10-12-2021 14:23:51 d5, d2

— Pitkin Co. Sheriff (@PitkinSheriff) October 12, 2021

Currently, a winter storm warning is in effect for the West Elk and Sawatch mountains, Grand and Battlement mesas, and Gore and Elk mountains/central mountain valleys through midnight, according to the National Weather Service. 

Denver weather: Blustery winds blow into town, snow in mountains

Four to eight inches of snow is forecast above 9,000 feet in the area. Wind gusts could reach 40 mph in some areas, according to the weather service. 

We just added a Tornado Watch to the long list of weather highlights in Colorado. When weather threats include tornadoes, fire weather, snow, high winds, and freezing temperatures we encourage you to stay weather aware and check the forecast often! #COwx pic.twitter.com/cUAShlh717

— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) October 12, 2021