New Mexico – Snow stacks quickly along guardrails this morning as flakes drift across pine-lined roads in the Sacramento Mountains. Tires hiss on slushy pavement. Visibility tightens with every passing band, especially near higher elevations.
The National Weather Service in El Paso says a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect through 11 p.m. Monday for the Sacramento Mountains and east slopes, including Cloudcroft, Sunspot, Mayhill, Apache Summit, and Pinon. Snow continues on and off through the day, with the heaviest bursts expected in narrow, slow-moving bands.
Storm totals range from 3 to 8 inches, with 6 to 8 inches likely above 7,500 feet. Areas along the east slopes below 7,500 feet could still see up to 5 inches, enough to create slick travel and rapid changes in road conditions.
Highways US-82 and nearby mountain routes remain the biggest concern. Bridges and shaded curves ice over first, especially as temperatures hover near freezing. Travel may become very difficult at times, particularly during heavier snowfall bursts this afternoon and evening.
Plan extra time if heading through mountain passes today. Carry winter supplies if travel is necessary. Conditions may deteriorate quickly once snow bands intensify, after all.
Looking ahead, colder air settles in behind the storm late Monday night. Melted snow may refreeze early Tuesday, creating black ice risks before sunrise. While valley locations stay mostly quiet, the mountains hold onto winter longer as 2025 wraps up.
This setup offers a reminder that even southern New Mexico isn’t immune to winter surprises as New Year’s Eve Wednesday approaches and New Year’s Day 2026 follows close behind.
