El Paso, Texas – A dangerous winter storm is impacting far southern New Mexico and western Texas early Saturday, bringing snow, ice, and the potential for power outages that could make travel nearly impossible through Sunday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in El Paso and Santa Teresa, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect through Sunday morning for the Sacramento Mountains of New Mexico and for portions of far west Texas, including the Salt Basin and Southern Hudspeth Highlands. In the Sacramento Mountains, including Cloudcroft, Timberon, Sunspot, and Apache Summit, additional snowfall of 6 to 10 inches is expected, with light ice adding to already slick conditions.
Farther south and east, areas such as Otero Mesa, Sierra Blanca, Dell City, Salt Flat, and Cornudas are expected to see a dangerous mix of snow and freezing rain. Snow totals of 2 to 4 inches combined with ice accumulations near a quarter inch raise concerns for downed trees, power outages, and impassable roads.
Travel along U.S. 62/180, Highway 54, and mountain routes through the Sacramento range could quickly become hazardous, especially during heavier precipitation. Officials urge residents to delay travel and prepare for extended disruptions if power outages occur.
Wintry precipitation is expected to continue through Saturday night before tapering Sunday morning. Warnings remain in effect until late Sunday morning, and additional updates may be issued as conditions evolve.
