Get ready, Northern New Mexico! A major winter storm is on the way, and it’s going to make your Friday evening and Saturday morning a bit of a challenge. Areas like Santa Fe, Taos, Las Vegas, and the surrounding mountain regions are in for a heavy dose of snow, strong winds, and freezing temperatures. If you’ve got any plans or need to be on the road, here’s what you need to know to stay safe.
What’s Coming Your Way:
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Snowfall: The storm will begin on Friday afternoon, and by Friday evening, the snow will be coming down hard. For most areas, expect anywhere from 3 to 6 inches of snow, but it’s the mountains that will take the brunt of the storm, with up to 12 inches or more possible. This is the wet, heavy kind of snow that’s great for skiing but not so fun when it’s making your drive slow and slick.
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Strong Winds: Winds will be picking up, reaching 30 to 40 mph. These gusts will blow the snow around, creating blowing snow that makes it hard to see more than a few feet ahead of you. Visibility will be terrible, so if you have to go out, be prepared for white-out conditions that could make it feel like you’re driving blind.
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Freezing Temps: It’s going to be cold—low 20s to teens—and when temperatures drop that low, roads turn icy quickly. Once the snow settles, there will be black ice lurking on the roads, making driving even more dangerous. Even if it looks clear, that layer of invisible ice could catch you off guard, especially on bridges or overpasses. And don’t forget about the mountain passes—they’ll be especially treacherous.
Why You Need to Pay Attention:
Winter storms can be tough, but this one’s got a few things that make it more dangerous than just your average snowstorm.
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Blowing Snow: The winds will kick up that heavy snow and send it flying across the road, so you might find yourself driving through a white-out—a condition where you can barely see the road, let alone the cars around you. This could make even familiar roads feel like you’re driving in a snow-covered maze.
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Icy Roads: After the snow falls, black ice becomes a real threat. It’s almost impossible to see, and it’s just waiting to cause accidents. Even if the snow lets up, the roads will stay slick, especially when temperatures hover around freezing. Be extra cautious when driving over bridges, overpasses, or in mountain areas.
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Mountain Conditions: For those of you traveling into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains or Chama River Valley, these areas will get the worst of the snow and ice. Conditions in the mountains are going to be rough, and roads will be dangerous for anyone without snow chains or appropriate tires. If you’re heading into these areas, make sure you have the gear you need to stay safe.
How to Stay Safe:
Here’s what you can do to make sure you’re ready for this storm. It might seem like a lot, but your safety is worth it.
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Stay Off the Roads if You Can: The safest option is to stay home. The worst of the storm will hit in the evening and early morning hours, and driving in white-out conditions or on icy roads is just asking for trouble. If you absolutely have to go out, be prepared to move slowly and carefully.
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Check Road Conditions: Always check the road conditions before heading out. Things can change fast during a snowstorm, and roads that were clear an hour ago can quickly become dangerous. Keep an eye on weather updates to avoid being caught off guard.
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Prep Your Car: If you’re planning to drive, make sure your vehicle is ready for winter conditions. If you don’t already have them, consider getting snow tires or chains—especially if you’re heading into the mountains. Keep your gas tank full, check your brakes, wipers, and headlights, and pack an emergency kit with water, snacks, blankets, and a phone charger just in case you get stuck.
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Drive Cautiously: If you must drive, make sure to slow down and give yourself plenty of room between you and the car in front of you. It might take a bit longer to get where you’re going, but that’s okay. Just take it easy and stay alert—snowy and icy roads are tricky, so don’t rush.
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Layer Up: When you do have to go outside, make sure you’re bundled up! The wind chill will make it feel even colder than it is, and being unprepared for the cold can lead to frostbite or hypothermia. Wear layers, hats, gloves, and scarves to keep yourself warm.
