Albuquerque, NM – Travel across northern New Mexico’s highest peaks could become life-threatening this afternoon as 55 mph wind gusts whip falling snow into whiteout conditions through 8 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 8 p.m. for the Northern and Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Tusas Mountains, including Chama. An additional 2 to 4 inches of snow will fall, while powerful winds up to 55 mph in the Sangre de Cristos and 50 mph in the Tusas range create widespread blowing and drifting snow.
Visibility may drop below one-quarter mile at times, especially along high mountain passes and exposed ridgelines. Snow drifts could exceed 2 feet in some locations, blocking secondary roads and making backcountry travel extremely dangerous.
Strong winds combined with heavy snow may snap tree limbs and down power lines, increasing the risk of localized outages in mountain communities.
Officials urge drivers to delay non-essential travel and check NM Roads at 511 before heading out. Conditions are expected to gradually improve after 8 p.m., but snow-packed and drifted roads could remain hazardous into the overnight hours.
