Editor's note: This weather forecast has been made free for everyone to view as a public service. To support the work of the Coloradoan, and to ensure we can keep providing this service in the future, subscribe today.

Update, 7:30 a.m. Wednesday: Fort Collins will be under a blizzard warning from 10 a.m. to midnight. Find our latest forecast here.

A widespread winter storm is expected to wallop most of Northern Colorado and drop a up to 8 inches of snow in Fort Collins on Wednesday, potentially making travel "very difficult."

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch for Fort Collins, Loveland, Denver, Greeley and Eaton for Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening, warning of heavy snow and winds gusting as high as 50 mph. "Near blizzard conditions" could occur in the watch area, mainly east of Interstate 25.

Strong winds could cause tree damage and significantly reduce visibility in some areas, according to the weather service. In Fort Collins, forecasters predict 4 to 8 inches of snow and heavy winds gusting as high as 46 mph on Wednesday.

Tuesday's projected high of 56 will dip into the 30s as a strong chance of rain enters the forecast in the evening. Forecasters expect a mixture of rain and snow overnight that will turn to all snow by mid-morning Wednesday. Wind speeds could reach 24 to 29 mph by the afternoon. The forecast high and low temperatures are 35 and 18 degrees.

CDOT DISCOURAGES MOUNTAIN TRAVEL:Avalanche conditions remain 'very dangerous'

The chance of snow will continue Wednesday night and should disappear by Thursday morning, although the forecast remains cold and breezy. Highs should reach the 40s and 50s by the end of the week.

Editor's note: The National Weather Service updated its forecast for snowfall in Fort Collins since this story was first published. This story now reflects the new forecast.

Jacy Marmaduke covers environment and other topics for the Coloradoan. Follow her on Twitter @jacymarmaduke. Support stories like this one with a digital subscription to the Coloradoan.