A potent winter storm that brought snow to the Four Corners and northern mountains Monday will hit Albuquerque and Santa Fe this morning and throughout the day, creating difficult driving conditions for much of northern and central New Mexico.
Albuquerque metro residents can expect wind chill temperatures in the single digits and teens this morning, according to the National Weather Service.
Snow is likely in the metro area today, with a high warming only into the mid-30s and east winds this afternoon.
Total snow accumulations could range from a couple of inches in Albuquerque, 4-9 inches in Santa Fe and 6-12 inches along I-25 from Glorieta to Raton up to over a foot to near two feet on peaks in the northern mountains, according to Randall Hergert, a meteorologist with the Albuquerque office of the National Weather Service.
The heaviest snowfall is expected to fall early this morning, he said.
A backdoor front will push south and west, enhancing snowfall down the I-25 corridor from Raton to the central highlands and into the middle Rio Grande Valley this morning. Gusting winds could create areas of blowing snow, making travel difficult due to snowpacked, icy roads and reduced visibility.
Additional snow is possible tonight in the metro area, with an overnight low in the upper teens. Expect sunny skies with high temperatures in the upper 30s on Wednesday.
Forecasters expect another winter storm to move into the state late-day Thursday into Friday and possibly Saturday. Significant snow accumulations are possible with this system, especially for the northwest half of the state.
For latest road conditions, visit nmroads.com, or call 5-1-1 or 1-800-432-4269.
