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Storm Dumps Snow, Leaves 1 Dead In New Mexico, 7 Others Dead Across West

National Weather Service

UPDATE Mon 6:30a: Snow accumulation with gusty winds are expected today as wintry weather tapers off through tonight.

 

Snow showers crossing into New Mexico will continue through much of the morning. Local accumulations could reach 1-2"

 

North winds will develop over the northeast plains in the wake of the departing storm system this afternoon, with gusts expected to reach 50 miles an hour. 

 

UPDATE Sun 10:30a: Forecasts say areas of northern New Mexico can expect another 5 inches of snow today as a large winter storm system continues to drop precipitation across the state. 

The Santa Fe New Mexican reports the story has killed 8 people across the West. While the Santa Fe are got  5 to 9 inches of snow Saturday night into Sunday, the National Weather Service is reporting the worst of the storm is expected midday Sunday with a winter storm warning in effect until Monday morning.

 

UPDATE 11a: Parts of northern New Mexico have already received a dusting of snow and there have been reports of freezing rain across the eastern plains, but forecasters say the latest storm to bear down on the state is far from over.

The first of the one-two punch ended overnight. But the brunt — what forecasters with the National Weather Service in Albuquerque call the "big kahuna" — is expected to cross the Arizona state line into New Mexico on Saturday.

The system is expected to bring widespread snow through the rest of the weekend.

State transportation officials are warning travelers about icy and snowpacked conditions, particularly along parts of Interstate 25 and I-40.

In Roosevelt County, New Mexico State Police say a 4-year-old girl was killed Friday when her family's car slid off the road and overturned.

The fierce weather has led to at least 4 other deaths, 3 in California where flooding and water rescues were reported, stranded drivers in Nevada and hundreds of crashes among desert dwellers in Arizona and New Mexico.

 

***

 

An Arctic Cold Front is expected to descend upon central New Mexico Thursday night, with wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour as temperatures plummet. Precipitation in the form of freezing rain, sleet and snow is likely across central and eastern portions of the state throughout the weekend.  

On Friday the warmest part of the day will be before sunrise, with highs in the 20s and 30s. 

A second heavy hitting winter storm will arrive Saturday afternoon and linger for a few days. Accumulated snowfall over the weekend could be over half a foot in the Albuquerque area, with 3 feet of snow at higher elevations in mountainous regions.

Credit National Weather Service
Total snow accumulations between Thursday night and Monday will be significant.

 

Major Storm Impacts: 

 

  • Wet, cold roads create hazardous driving conditions. Be sure to check conditions before traveling over the weekend. 
  • Ice accumulation may break tree branches. If trees are in the vicinity of power lines there may be interruptions of power. Prepare by having flashlights and blankets on hand.
  • Schools and Government Offices may be closed. Check here for the latest.

 
 

Elaine Baumgartel was KUNM's News Director from 2013 to 2019. She was local Morning Edition host from 2007 through 2012 and she regularly hosted the station's live news and public affairs show for some years. Elaine originally came on board at KUNM as a volunteer and student employee in 2003.