DHSEM NEWS RELEASE

The New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) is urging New Mexicans to be advised of potentially severe weather beginning this evening and continuing through early next week. The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts strong winds, snowfall, and sub-zero temperatures across parts of the state.

“Please be prepared for below freezing temperatures, heavy winds, and potential road closures due to snow and ice,” said DHSEM Secretary Bianca Ortiz-Wertheim. “This is the first winter storm of the season, and we want all New Mexicans to be ready. Notably, NWS forecasts strong winds above 55 mph throughout the week, which could lead to power outages.”

According to today’s Hazardous Weather Outlook from NWS Albuquerque:

• Today and Tonight (12/08): “Strong west winds will develop over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains tonight with gusts of 55 to 65 mph possible.”

• Thursday (12/09) through Tuesday (12/14): “The first significant storm system of the season will move through the region Thursday night and Friday with strong winds, rain, snow, and significantly colder temperatures. Snowfall accumulations in excess of 10″ are possible in the high terrain around Chama with light snowfall elsewhere across northern and western NM. Strong to potentially damaging wind gusts of 55 to 70 mph are also possible along the central mountain chain into the high plains of eastern NM Thursday night and Friday.”

This weekend, NWS Albuquerque also forecasts below-freezing temperatures throughout the state, as well as sub-zero temperatures in northern New Mexico (see NWS forecast below).