A storm system will dive southward through the Rockies into Thursday, bringing snow, biting cold winds and disruptions to holiday travelers.

While the storm will be quick hitting, it will still cause significant problems for travelers trying to reach their final destinations.

Snow will spread southward from Montana into the central Rockies into this evening with the central Rockies receiving the brunt of the storm tonight.

Most areas, including Denver, will see 3-6 inches of fresh snow. However, some mountainous areas such as the foothills could receive as much as a foot of powdery snow.

The new snow couldn’t come at a worse time as travelers make their final preparations to see friends and family for the holidays.

Gusty winds will accompany the snow as the storm system quickly presses southward. This will cause areas of blowing and drifting snow which can make travel hazardous.

For a larger version of this map, visit the AccuWeather.com Winter Weather Center.

Blowing snow can cause poor visibility which can lead to flight delays. Ripple-effect flight delays could be felt across the nation if flights are delayed at Denver International.

Not only will travel be disrupted in the air, but on the ground as well. Motorists should be prepared for slower travel and use extreme caution when driving on snow covered roadways.

The low pressure system will then push into the central and southern Rockies Thursday, spreading snow to New Mexico, Arizona and some areas that were just hit by a deadly blizzard.

However, conditions will not be nearly as poor this time around in blizzard-ravaged areas.

Like today and tonight, the highest elevations of Colorado and New Mexico will receive the most snow Thursday and Thursday night with up to a foot possible. Elsewhere, 1-3 inches will be more common in places like Albuquerque, N.M., and the lower terrain of the west central Plains.

It’s even possible that areas as far south as El Paso, Texas, will get snow showers late Thursday night into Friday.

Behind the storm, fresh cold air will spill into region as high pressure builds into the Rockies.

By: Mark Miller, meteorologist