Santa Fe, N.M. – Heavy snow is pounding New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where travel is discouraged and road closures are likely through early Wednesday as a powerful late-season winter storm dumps up to 24 inches of snow on the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 6 a.m. MDT Wednesday for both the northern and southern Sangre de Cristo ranges. The storm is expected to bring 8 to 12 inches of snow at most elevations, with higher peaks receiving between 18 and 24 inches.
The most intense snowfall will arrive Monday night through Tuesday, with rapidly accumulating snow creating dangerous travel conditions across Highway 64, NM-518, and surrounding routes. The storm is also posing a tree and powerline hazard, as the weight of wet snow on fully leafed trees may cause limb breakage and power outages in rural and high-elevation areas.
Drivers are urged to avoid mountain travel if possible. Those who must be on the road should keep extra food, water, and flashlights in their vehicles. For real-time road conditions, visit nmroads.com or call 511.
The warning is set to expire Wednesday morning, but additional alerts could be issued if snowfall persists.
