Carlsbad, New Mexico – A major winter storm is set to strike southeast New Mexico beginning Friday afternoon, bringing a dangerous mix of ice, snow, and sleet that could make roads nearly impassable and knock out power.
According to the National Weather Service in Midland, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. Friday through 5 a.m. Sunday for areas including Carlsbad, Hobbs, Artesia, and surrounding counties. Total snow and sleet accumulations could reach 1 to 3 inches, especially along and north of major corridors like US-285, US-62, and US-82. Ice totals east of the Pecos may exceed ¼ inch, enough to down trees and power lines.
Authorities are warning drivers to stay off roads, particularly overpasses and bridges which will freeze first. US-62/180, NM-128, and routes into the oil patch are expected to be extremely slick by Friday evening.
Residents are urged to charge devices, gather supplies, and prepare for potential power outages. More updates are expected as the storm intensifies Friday night.
