Wind, snow, brutal cold ahead for much of NM

Forecasters warned on Saturday that a strong storm system will blanket much of New Mexico with snow while pummeling the state with strong winds and plummeting temperatures.

The National Weather Service said several inches of snow were expected Saturday night through Sunday and that wind blowing through gaps in the central mountain chain will have gusts up to 60 mph in canyons.

According to forecasters, record-breaking low temperatures are likely, especially across eastern New Mexico.

They said “dangerously cold wind chills” are expected Sunday and Sunday night, and that road conditions are expected to quickly deteriorate as snow accumulates through Sunday.

The state Department of Health said COVID-19 restrictions on lodging capacity are suspended during extreme weather conditions and road closures.

Occupancy levels will be determined by what the local fire marshals or equivalent officials have previously determined, the department said.

While people are encouraged to stay home or in their present shelter during extreme weather, “lodging management should use their best judgment on when it is appropriate to open to travelers who are stranded or in peril.”

Updates on road conditions can be found on the state Department of Transportation’s website, www.nmroads.com, or by calling 511 or 800-432-4269.