Albuquerque, N.M. – Much of central and eastern New Mexico is bracing for severe travel disruptions, dangerous wind chills, and power outages starting Friday morning as a potent winter storm moves into the region. Interstate 40, especially from Tijeras to the Texas border, is expected to be treacherous or impassable through early Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. Friday through 5 a.m. Sunday, with widespread snow totals of 4 to 8 inches and higher elevations expecting up to 16 inches. Areas above 9,000 feet, including parts of the Sangre de Cristo and Sandia Mountains, will see the heaviest accumulation.
The storm will deliver more than snow—temperatures are forecast to plummet into the single digits across the eastern plains by Sunday morning. Wind chills may fall well below zero, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia for those outdoors without adequate protection.
Residents in Santa Fe, Clines Corners, Tucumcari, and Fort Sumner should prepare now for potential power outages and stay off roads unless absolutely necessary. Travelers are urged to carry emergency kits and check nmroads.com or dial 511 for live updates.
The winter storm threat continues through early Sunday, with coldest temperatures settling in through Monday. Additional advisories may follow as the storm progresses.
