Photos from Feb. 3 winter storm/NM DOT/Jake Schoellkopf

A winter storm blowing into New Mexico tonight from Arizona is expected to bring snow, cold, rain, high winds and slick roads, according to the National Weather Service.

In its forecast, NWS Albuquerque predicts “potential slick travel conditions tonight (Wednesday) and Thursday.”

“There is a fairly high degree of uncertainty with snowfall accumulations around Central NM (including Rio Rancho and Albuquerque) by Thursday morning,” the forecast says (https://www.weather.gov/abq/, click on snowfall forecast.)

“The actual storm system is going to be moving across the area tonight and start with rain this evening — not much, just a few sprinkles — but snow may develop across the metro area early tomorrow morning just about sunrise,” said Jennifer Shoemake, meteorologist with the NWS in Albuquerque.

She said accumulation should be less than an inch.

“We’re not looking at a lot of snow,” she said. “That’s the good news for the morning travel, and unlike last time, we won’t see the arctic cold temperatures. It’s going to be cold enough to snow, but not to get those really, really cold temperatures that can make roads slick.”

Nonetheless, Shoemake said, drivers should be aware of slick spots and commuters from Santa Fe should use extra caution and take a little more time.

“Santa Fe could get more snow, so commuters should check first,” she said. “Be careful with that morning commute.”

The most recent winter storm to hit the area earlier this month resulted in clogged roadways and extended commutes during rush hour as drivers wrestled with slick roads and freezing temperatures.

In the Bernalillo patrol area, which encompasses Rio Rancho , the totals for snow removal for the New Mexico Department of Transportation Maintenance patrol was 2,398 pass miles and cost $56,336.

For road information:

nmroads.com

call 511

 

 

 

 

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