DENVER -- A wintry storm blew across the Colorado mountains and into Denver Sunday, dropping up to seven inches of snow south of the city and forcing the Colorado Rockies to practice indoors just three days before their first World Series.

The snow melted as soon as it hit the streets near Coors Field in downtown Denver, and temperatures hovering just above freezing.

The Rockies anticipated the bad weather and made plans to work out in batting cages and on indoor pitching mounds.

The first Series games in Denver won't take place until Saturday. Sunny skies and temperatures in the 70s are expected by late in the week.

Plows Out In Force

Most of the northern and central Colorado mountains were under a winter storm watch. Up to 14 inches of snow is expected in places.

Trucks and other heavy vehicles are required to use tire chains on parts of I-70 in the mountains and on several mountain passes in southwest and northwest Colorado. (Read CDOT road conditions)

CDOT snowplows were out in force along Colorado's highways and major streets in Denver.

"We make sure we are out here when the first flake hits the ground and we don't go home until it is dry," said Steven Parker, a CDOT plow driver.

Independence Pass between Aspen and Leadville was closed Sunday. (Read more about road conditions)

Rain and snow were forecast for the northeast Colorado plains.

Perfect Timing

The storm comes on the first day of Gov. Bill Ritter's Winter Weather Preparedness Week.

The governor's office is sponsoring a weeklong effort to better prepare people for a major snowstorm.

Last year's December blizzard "really emphasized how critical personal preparedness is," said Hans Kallam, director of the Colorado Division of Emergency Management. "We can't stress enough the importance of listening to severe weather warnings, staying home when roads can't be safely traveled, and preparing with emergency supplies ahead of time."

Residents are encouraged to put together a 72-hour emergency preparedness kit, should it not be possible to travel roads.

"We all need to have emergency kits for the home and car and we need to use common sense regarding travel in deteriorating conditions," Kallam said.