Severe Winter Storm Threatens Record Snowfall in Two States, Making Travel Impossible from Wednesday to Friday

A winter storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall to two states later this week, potentially causing travel disruptions. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings for the mountains of southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. These warnings will be in effect from Wednesday to Friday morning. Heavy snowfall of up to 20 inches is anticipated in some areas.

According to Tom Kines, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, snow is expected to begin on Wednesday night and last through Thursday. The areas south of Denver, including Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and the surrounding areas, will experience snowfall.

The NWS office in Pueblo, Colorado, sits amidst the picturesque eastern San Juan Mountains at an elevation of over 10,000 feet above sea level. It is also nestled in the southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains, standing tall at an elevation of 7,500 feet above sea level. The office is conveniently located near Walsenburg/Upper Huerfano River, which is below 7,500 feet above sea level, as well as near Trinidad/Las Mountains, also below 7,500 feet above sea level. It diligently publishes surveillance reports for the western Animas and counties below 7,500 feet.

“A new storm system is forecasted to move across southern New Mexico and into Texas,” NWS Pueblo announced on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday. According to the post, this system will bring moisture to Colorado and result in wintry weather in certain areas of eastern Colorado, particularly near the border.”

In Colorado, higher elevations could see up to 12 inches of snow, while lower elevations can expect 2 to 6 inches, with the possibility of locally higher amounts. The southern part of the state, specifically south of I-50, is expected to receive the most snow, particularly in the southern mountains and along the I-25 southern corridor.

The National Weather Service (NWS) report mentioned that traveling might become extremely challenging due to hazardous conditions, which could affect both morning and evening commutes. The NWS office in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has issued a winter storm warning for Glorieta Mesa, encompassing the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This warning also extends to Johnson Mesa and Bartlett Mesa, including Raton Pass, as well as the Far Northeast Highlands, Northeast Highlands, and Union County.

New Mexico may experience snowfall of up to 20 inches above 7,500 feet, while an expected accumulation of 4 to 10 inches is anticipated below that elevation. According to the report, travel conditions could worsen significantly, with the possibility of road closures and major delays. The affected area includes a significant stretch of Interstate 25 in northeastern New Mexico, from Glorieta to Las Vegas, and all the way to Raton Pass.

The upcoming winter storm is predicted to bring rain to certain areas of New Mexico. The eastern Plains are expected to receive over an inch of rain, while the heaviest snowfall will occur in northeastern New Mexico and the state’s highlands.

According to Cains, there is a possibility of snowfall in the Texas Panhandle, which might create slippery conditions and impact travelers on Interstate 40.

Caines expressed a positive outlook on the approaching storm, stating, “It’s not all bad news. It’s going to snow at the ski resorts in northern New Mexico, and people are going to be very happy.”

“From early Wednesday to early Friday, storms are set to bring rain and snow to various parts of New Mexico. The northern mountains and northeastern region of the state can expect heavy snowfall, while significant rainfall is anticipated in the Southeast. NWS Albuquerque expressed optimism, stating, ‘Everyone has a chance, at least a little rain!’ in a Tuesday morning update.”

Colorado and New Mexico are expected to experience winter storms, joining eight other states that are currently under winter storm warnings. These major storms are bringing heavy rain, wind, and snow to the eastern United States. Storm warnings are in effect for parts of New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, West Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Alaska, and Idaho.

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