National Weather Service issues winter storm warning

The Albuquerque National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the next couple of days. The storm’s path happens to cross over Rio Rancho Wednesday night through Thursday night.

“A colder winter storm system will approach western New Mexico Wednesday night, then cross the state from west to east Thursday and Thursday night before exiting to our east Friday. Accumulating snow is most likely over the Tusas, Jemez and Sangre de Cristo mountains where 5 to 10 inches of snow is possible. At the lower elevations along and north of I-40, about 1 to 4 inches of snow could fall. Raton Pass would be impacted as well as Highway 550 over the Continental Divide and portions of I-40 from Grants to Gallup. High temperatures Thursday will be 5 to 15 degrees below normal, ranging from the 20s and 30s north and west with mid 40s to near 50 in the Lower Rio Grande Valley and Southeast Plains. Snow should taper off Friday morning although a few snow showers will persist over the northern high terrain through Friday afternoon. Snow showers will return to the northern mountains Saturday. An even colder winter storm could bring widespread snow to the region Sunday through Monday. Travelers should stay tuned to forecast updates this week. Travel impacts are most likely due to accumulating snow Thursday into Friday. Anticipate hazardous conditions due to snow and blowing snow Sunday through Monday,” ANWS said.

The service recommends people refer to nmroads.com for the latest New Mexico road conditions.