Winter Storm Warning Issued for Tusas Mountains and Chama Through Tuesday Evening

Alert Details

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, NM. The alert is effective starting at 2:00 AM MST on Tuesday, February 17, and remains in effect until 8:00 PM MST that evening.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the Tusas Mountains, including the community of Chama.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers are advised to take the following precautions:

• If travel is necessary, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle for emergencies.
• Extend the following distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
• Monitor the latest road conditions by dialing 511, calling 1-800-432-4269, or visiting http://nmroads.com.
• Prepare for potential power outages due to strong winds.

Expected Conditions

Heavy snow and high winds are expected throughout the duration of the warning:

• Snow Accumulation: 4 to 8 inches of snow are expected at elevations above 8,000 feet, with up to 4 inches possible below 8,000 feet.
• Wind: Gusts are forecast to reach as high as 60 mph.
• Visibility: Blowing and falling snow may reduce visibility to below 1/4 mile, creating possible whiteout conditions and making travel treacherous.
• Infrastructure: Strong winds may cause extensive damage to trees and power lines.

Timeline

The Winter Storm Warning begins at 2:00 AM MST on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The hazardous conditions are expected to persist until the warning expires at 8:00 PM MST on Tuesday.