Cloudcroft, New Mexico – Travel through the Sacramento Mountains could become dangerous beginning Friday morning as a prolonged winter storm brings heavy snowfall and hazardous road conditions through Sunday morning. Mountain communities may see rapidly deteriorating travel as snow piles up on roadways and visibility drops.
According to the National Weather Service in El Paso/Santa Teresa, a Winter Storm Watch is now in effect from Friday morning through Sunday morning for the Sacramento Mountains. Snow accumulations between 8 and 14 inches are possible across both lower and higher elevations, with the greatest impacts expected near Cloudcroft and surrounding high terrain.
Areas including Cloudcroft, Timberon, Sunspot, Mountain Park, Apache Summit, Mescalero, and Mayhill are all within the watch area. Roads such as U.S. 82 and Highway 130 are expected to become slick quickly, with bridges and overpasses freezing first as temperatures remain well below normal.
Officials advise delaying non-essential travel during the storm window and preparing for winter driving conditions if travel cannot be avoided. Residents should ensure vehicles are stocked with emergency supplies and plan for possible disruptions due to snow-covered roads.
The Winter Storm Watch remains in effect through Sunday morning, and additional warnings may be issued as confidence increases in snowfall totals and impacts.
