Snow showers will continue to develop this morning over the higher terrain of western New Mexico. Little accumulation is expected through 900 am...but precipitation will increase in coverage and intensity later this morning and midday.
Forecast for Southwest Mountains
Updated: 4:00 am MST on December 22, 2009
Winter Storm Warning in effect from 11 am this morning to 5 PM MST Wednesday...
Today
Mostly cloudy. Windy. Isolated snow showers in the morning...then scattered rain and snow showers in the afternoon. Snow level near 7000 feet. Snow accumulation 1 or 2 inches. Highs in the 30s to upper 40s. Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph increasing to 20 to 30 mph in the afternoon. Gusts up to 40 mph.
Windy. Rain and snow in the evening...then snow after midnight. Snow accumulation 3 to 5 inches...except 6 to 8 inches above 7500 feet. Lows in the mid teens to lower 30s. Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts to around 40 mph.
Wednesday
Windy. Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow showers. Snow accumulation 1 or 2 inches. Total snow accumulation 3 to 6 inches...except as much as 8 to 12 inches above 7500 feet. Highs in the 30s to lower 40s. West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts to around 40 mph.
... Winter Storm Warning in effect from 11 am this morning to 5 PM MST Wednesday...
The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Winter Storm Warning for heavy snow and blowing snow... which is in effect from 11 am this morning to 5 PM MST Wednesday. The Winter Storm Watch is no longer in effect.
* Snow accumulations... total snow accumulations of 2 to 6 inches can be expected at elevations below 7500 feet... while 6 to 12 inches of snow is likely above 7500 feet.
* Timing... snow will begin Tuesday afternoon and increase in coverage and intensity tonight and early Wednesday. Some of the snow may be heavy at times.
* Winds... southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph are possible at ridge tops.
* Snow levels... snow will prevail at elevations above 7500 feet... however... locations below 7500 feet may experience rain or a mix of rain and snow this afternoon before changing to all snow this evening. Temperatures will then remain cold enough for snow at all elevations through Wednesday.
* Local impacts... hazardous driving conditions are expected across the Southwest Mountains. Visibilities may be reduced Tuesday night and Wednesday morning in falling and blowing snow. Roadways may become snow packed and icy for Holiday travelers.
Precautionary/preparedness actions...
A Winter Storm Warning for heavy snow and blowing snow means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous. Strong winds are likely. Only travel in an emergency. If you must travel... keep an extra flashlight... food... and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.