Albuquerque, NM – Mountain travel across northern New Mexico will become hazardous before sunrise Tuesday as strong winds and heavy snow create whiteout conditions through the evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 2 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday for the Tusas Mountains, including Chama, and from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday for the Northern and Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Snow totals in the Tusas Mountains will range from 4 to 8 inches above 8,000 feet, with up to 4 inches below that elevation. In the Sangre de Cristo range, 3 to 6 inches are expected above 8,500 feet, with lighter amounts at lower elevations. Winds will gust between 60 and 65 mph, producing blowing snow and visibility below a quarter mile at times.
High-elevation routes such as U.S. 64 near Chama and mountain roads near Taos Ski Valley and Red River could become snow-covered and difficult to navigate. Strong winds may also down tree limbs and power lines, leading to isolated outages.
Officials urge drivers to delay travel if possible and increase following distance if on the road. Check nmroads.com or dial 511 for the latest updates.
Warnings remain in effect until 8 p.m. Tuesday, with improving conditions expected later in the evening.
