Winter Storm Warning Issued for Sangre de Cristo Mountains; Heavy Snow and 65 MPH Gusts Expected
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, effective Tuesday, with heavy snow and high winds creating potential whiteout conditions.
Alert Details
Type: Winter Storm Warning
Issued by: National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
Effective Window: Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 5:00 AM MST to 8:00 PM MST.
Affected Areas
This warning specifically impacts the Northern and Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains in New Mexico.
What You Should Do
Residents and travelers in the warning area are advised to take the following precautions:
- Travel Safety: If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
- Driving Conditions: Extend the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
- Road Information: For the latest road conditions, dial 511 or 1.800.432.4269, or visit http://nmroads.com.
Expected Conditions
- Snowfall: Heavy snow is expected with total accumulations reaching up to 5 inches.
- Wind: Winds are forecast to gust as high as 65 mph.
- Visibility: Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow.
- Hazards: Whiteout conditions are possible, making travel treacherous. Strong winds could also cause extensive damage to trees and power lines.
Timeline
The Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 5:00 AM MST on Tuesday, February 17, and is currently scheduled to expire at 8:00 PM MST the same day.
Source: NOAA Official Notice
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