The Colorado Department of Transportation urges drivers to prepare for winter conditions as snow storms hit Colorado.

While most of the storm will be hitting southern Colorado and mountain passes, the Denver metro and areas just south may expect to see winter weather in their forecast.

CDOT said that mountains and valleys will experience an extended period of cold and wet weather that will last until late night on Oct. 6 and will linger in the San Juans for much longer.

CDOT will be out with snow plows but still expects the pavement to be slick. Areas south of Denver on Interstate 25 and mountain corridors and higher elevations along Interstate 70 have been noted as areas of concern.

They warn drivers to be cautious when driving in these areas and to plan ahead before heading out. CDOT advises drivers to have a checklist of safety and emergency equipment before driving which includes:

"Must Carry" provisions for large truck drivers have expanded to highways west of I-25 this year lasting from September to May. Truck drivers must chain up when the traction laws are in effect.

The laws are in effect on an expanded list of highways including:

Drivers all around the Denver metro will experience precipitation, but the worst conditions will be over the Palmer Divide and I-25 just south of Castle Rock. If drivers continue south, they will find heavy snowfall around the Monument Hill area.