Winter Storm Warning in Effect Until Friday for New Mexico, Expect Heavy Snow, Dangerous Roads and Bridges

Due to the dangerous roads and slick bridges brought on by the heavy snow, New Mexico is under a Winter Storm Warning until Friday late afternoon. This includes the Southcentral mountains and nearby counties, Guadalupe County, and Albuquerque.

Thanksgiving in New Mexico will have to be done indoors as there is a slight chance of rain showers in the afternoon, then a chance of rain and snow showers. Skies in Albuquerque will be mostly cloudy until the afternoon with a temperature high near 46 degrees.

North wind will blow at speeds around 15 mph. The chances of precipitation are up at 30%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch is possible for most parts of New Mexico.

At night, there is a chance of rain and snow showers, mainly before 8 PM. Skies are expected to be cloudy during the early evening and then gradually become partly cloudy, with a temperature low of around 25 degrees.

Northeast wind will move in the area at 5 to 10 mph. The chance of precipitation remains at 30% during the night and new snow accumulation is also possible but only at less than half an inch, Local Conditions reports.

Winter Storm Warning

At 2:34 AM MST on Thursday, November 24, the National Weather Service Albuquerque New Mexico office issued a Winter Storm Warning in effect from 5 PM today to 11 PM the next day, Friday.

South Central Mountains and Nearby Counties - This announcement covers South Central Mountains, Roosevelt County, De Baca County, Curry County, Eastern Lincoln County, Chaves County Plains, and Southwest Chaves County.

The Winter Storm Warning is issued as heavy snow is expected in the affected areas with total snow accumulations that range between 4 and 8 inches. In areas across southwest Chaves and eastern Lincoln Counties, higher amounts of snow are expected to reach around 1 foot. Winds will be gusting at speeds as high as 35 mph.

NWS warns that roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Visibilities in the areas may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and fast-blowing snow. Travel during this time could be very difficult to impossible, which means some roads may be closed for safety. This would result in possible significant travel delays.

Read also: Days of Torrential Rain in Balkans Caused Flooding, Evacuations, and 6 deaths 

Guadalupe County - The Winter Storm Warning is also in effect in Guadalupe County but only until 11 PM tonight.

For Guadalupe County, visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to heavy falling and blowing snow. Travel during this time could be very difficult because tire traction will be reduced. However, roads will remain open until further announcements so drivers should extend the distance between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them. This includes sections along portions of I-40.

Those who must travel should bring an extra flashlight, food, and water in their car for emergencies, as recommended by experts from the National Weather Service.

Albuquerque Health and Activities Forecast

Dust and dander allergen is up today at an extremely high level in Albuquerque, according to AccuWeather.

While there are no triggers for arthritis, flu, and asthma, triggers for migraine, the common cold, and sinus pressure are up at moderate levels. Those sensitive to these triggers should take extra measures to ensure a smooth-sailing thanksgiving. Most outdoor activities are manageable today in Albuquerque, except for going to the beach and swimming pools.

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