Blizzard warning, bitterly cold temps, remains in effect until Saturday morning

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The National Weather Service says heavy snow will continue for much of Northern and Central New Mexico through Saturday morning.

Widespread moderate to heavy snow accumulation will continue Friday, then snow will begin to decrease in coverage and intensity Friday evening.

The central and south central mountains, and their adjacent high plains, will be favored for the most additional snow accumulation Friday, then the east side of the south central mountains will be favored tonight into Saturday morning.

These areas should receive several inches to over a foot of additional snow accumulation, with lighter amounts of 1 to 5 inches of additional accumulation elsewhere across northern and central New Mexico.

The snow, very low visibilities, and bitterly cold temperatures will create treacherous travel conditions.

Wind chills will vary around 15 degrees above zero to 15 degrees below zero across most of northern and central New Mexico late tonight through Saturday morning.

Blowing and drifting snow will also be hazardous across central parts of the state.

Plan on icy and snow covered road conditions in most of the area.

The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute.

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you.

See Snowstorm causes I-40 closures from Moriarty to Clines Corners, delays across NM

• Weather Forecast: New Mexico prepares for second winter storm Thursday

Due to freezing temperatures, residents are urged to take the following steps to prevent property damage and loss of water service related to frozen pipes: 

• Open sink cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around pipes—especially if they’re on an outside wall.
• Drip a faucet in the sink located furthest from your water meter. The moving water is less likely to freeze, and will help reduce pressure build-up if a freeze does occur.
• Going to be away from home? Don’t turn the heat all the way down. Experts recommend maintaining a minimum indoor temperature of 55° Fahrenheit.
• Insulate exposed outdoor pipes and hose bibs/faucets.
• Know the location of your emergency shut-off valve. If you have one, this can be used to turn off water to your house if a pipe should burst.

Safe Winter Driving Tips from NMDOT:

• Reduce your speed. The best accident prevention on snow and ice is to SLOW DOWN and leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you for emergencies.
• Practice good winter driving techniques. Keep your gas tank full, turn on your head lights, keep your windshield washer fluid full with antifreeze, keep winter driving chains in your vehicle, have a winter survival kit, which includes: 
  • Flashlight
  • Hand warmers packets
  • First aid supplies
  • High energy snacks
  • Bottled water and read your owner’s manual for special instructions on driving 4-wheel drive vehicles and vehicles with ABS on snow and ice.
• Avoid driving in a snow cloud. Large vehicles, such as semi-trailer trucks and snow plows, may produce dense clouds of blowing snow that make it difficult for drivers to see. When drivers encounter snow clouds, they should stay back to avoid the cloud.
• Plan ahead and be patient. Delays are common during bad weather. Leave a little earlier and be patient with delays
• Check before you pass. Know where a snow plow and blade are before trying to pass. On multi-lane highways, the plow can be in your blind spot. Before attempting to pass make sure it is safe. 
• Pay attention to weather forecasts. Winter storms in New Mexico can become severe quickly, so stay tuned to weather forecasts when planning your trip.
• Don’t use cruise control. Never use cruise control when the roads are in slippery conditions. Using your cruise control can reduce your control of the vehicle if your tires begin to skid or slip.
• Know your current road conditions. Visit the NMDOT website for current road advisory information at http://nmroads.com, or dial 511 in the state, or call 1-800-432-4269. You can also view KRQE’s Traffic Map. 
• Wear your seatbelt. Wear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers also “buckle up.” 

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