ASPEN ” A winter storm could bring 10 to 20 inches of new snow to the Aspen/Snowmass area by Friday morning as a fast-moving weather system moves through northern Colorado Thursday night, according to the National Weather Service.

The service has issued a winter storm warning for the Elk Mountains, which surround Aspen and Snowmass, in effect until 6 a.m. on Friday. West- and northwest-facing slopes could see as much as 18 to 36 inches of new snow, according to the latest forecast from the weather service.

Strong west winds, from 20 to 35 mph, with gusts to more than 50 mph, will cause widespread blowing snow, especially over higher mountain passes, including Vail Pass, where travel may be hazardous or impossible, according to the weather service.

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On Thursday afternoon, Loveland Pass was closed because of adverse weather conditions and eastbound Interstate 70 was closed from the main Vail interchange to the summit of Vail Pass due to an accident. Chain restrictions were in effect for all commercial vehicles, including buses and large-capacity vans, on westbound I-70 at Vail Pass and I-70 in both directions at the Eisenhower Tunnel.

Go to http://www.cotrip.org for updated, statewide road conditions.