Winter storm watch in effect for weekend

SANDOVAL COUNTY — National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for the Metro area, including Rio Rancho and most of Sandoval County from Jan. 23-25 this weekend.

"Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations will generally range from 2 to 6 inches in areas below 7,500 feet with higher amounts of 6 to 12 inches above 7,500 feet with locally higher and amounts of 12 to 18 inches above 10,000 feet," the watch states.

The watch added that travel could be very difficult to impossible for an extended period of time, including areas along I-40 from Tijeras Canyon to Grants. The weight of accumulating snow will stress the power grid, potentially creating outages. An extended period of cold temperatures will increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia, it states.

"Bitterly cold temperatures will also accompany this winter storm. Temperatures will be coldest Sunday and Monday mornings, when much of central to western NM will be in the single digits with much colder wind chills," it reads.

As a precaution, people are directed to monitor the latest forecasts for updates on the situation. Those planning to travel Friday through Sunday morning should pay close attention given the potential for travel impacts, especially along I-40, it states.

Rio Rancho forecast

Friday

A slight chance of snow showers before 11 a.m., then rain showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 45. Southeast wind 5-10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Friday night

Rain showers before 8 p.m., then rain and snow showers from 8-11 p.m., then snow showers after 11 p.m. Low around 25. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Saturday

Rain and snow showers, becoming all snow after 11 a.m. High near 36. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Saturday night 

Snow showers likely, mainly before 11 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 11. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Sunday

A 20% chance of snow showers before 11 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 34.

Sunday night

Mostly clear, with a low around 9.