While lower gas prices might encourage some Coloradans to take to the roadways this Thanksgiving, the National Weather Service and the Colorado Department of Transportation caution motorists to be aware of potentially hazardous driving conditions in the days leading up to the holiday.

“Of all the holiday weekends during the colder weather months, our travel counts tend to be a little on the lower side, as people historically tend to travel more locally,” said CDOT spokesman Bob Wilson. “Still, we want people to be prepared and to know before they head out on the roads that it may take a little bit longer to get to their destination over the next 2-3 days.”

A high temperature of 36 is expected Wednesday after mostly sunny skies and a high of 53 on Tuesday in Colorado Springs, according to the National Weather Service. The Springs is forecast to hit 40 on Thanksgiving and 44 on Friday — with sunny skies both days.

Before the holiday, during two of the busiest travel days of the year, stay flexible with travel plans, officials advise.

Colorado Springs is expected to see a mixture of rain and snow throughout Tuesday, with snow showers likely Wednesday, according to recent weather models. Freezing overnight temperatures will produce slick driving conditions, especially during early morning hours.

“In the Denver area, and along the Front Range and the I-25 corridor — which includes Colorado Springs — the snow is expected to be the wet, heavy kind, which can lead to slushy conditions that can make for hazardous driving,” Wilson said.

Snow amounts are expected to be higher in Teller County, where 4-6 inches of snow are expected this week, according to Michael Garberoglio, meteorologist at the Weather Service in Pueblo. The totals will be even higher near Pikes Peak.

“The top of Pikes Peak will probably see 8-10 inches of snow,” Garberoglio said.

Near the Continental Divide, snow activity was scheduled to pick up late Monday and remain steady for most of the week, with Leadville expected to see 8-11 inches, according to the weather agency.

“As you go up toward the peaks in that area, we’re expecting amounts exceeding a foot to 18 inches,” Garberoglio said.

In Colorado Springs, 2-4 inches of snow are expected, according to Lauren Brand, meteorologist with Gazette news partner KOAA. No precipitation is forecast Thursday.

Colorado motorists planning to drive over the next few days are advised to take winter precautions and drive carefully, officials said.

“The mountain areas and higher elevations could be hazardous,” Wilson said. “The temperatures are going to be a lot lower, so you’ll have more icing and snowpack conditions.”

Check the weather conditions before you go out, Wilson advised, along with using cotrip.org for travel alerts or, if you’re not in a place where you can access the internet, dial 511 for updates.

Drivers should plan for potential delays on the roads as well.

“It could be a very slow go, especially if there are any crashes,” he said. “Give yourself plenty of time.”

Motorists should also be sure to fill their gas tank before they hit the road, and prepare for possible delays by taking coats, gloves, water, a cell phone charger and nonperishable food, Wilson said.

“That way, if you do get stuck, or if you’re in a long traffic jam, you can still be comfortable and safe,” he said.

Snowplows will be on the roads, so drivers should give them room to do their job, Wilson said.

“Stay back a few car lengths,” he said. “Also, don’t pass a plow on the right, because that’s where the snow, slush and debris are going to go.”