Winter Storm Watch Issued for Two States as Snow May Make Travel Impossible

An incoming winter storm heavy with snow could hinder travel later this week in two states.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued two winter storm watches early Tuesday, warning of heavy snowfall in mountain ranges in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. Both watches will begin Wednesday and remain in effect through Friday morning. Up to 20 inches of snow could fall in some areas.

AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines told Newsweek that snow will begin falling Wednesday night and continue throughout Thursday. Snow will fall south of Denver in Colorado Springs, Pueblo and nearby areas.

The Pueblo, Colorado, NWS office issued the watch for the eastern San Juan Mountains above 10,000 feet, the Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains at 7,500 feet and above, the Walsenburg Vicinity/Upper Huerfano River Basin below 7,500 feet and the Trinidad Vicinity/Western Las Animas County below 7,500 feet.

"A new storm system is expected to move across southern New Mexico and into Texas," NWS Pueblo posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday. "Moisture will spread into Colorado with this system, bringing winter weather to Portions of eastern Colorado, mainly near the border."

In Colorado, the total snow accumulation could reach 12 inches for higher elevations, with snow accumulations of 2 to 6 inches expected for lower elevations, although locally higher amounts are possible.

Snow is expected to fall south of Highway 50, with the most impactful amounts hitting the southern mountains and the southern I-25 corridor.

"Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute," the NWS report said.

The Albuquerque, New Mexico, NWS office issued the winter storm watch for the Glorieta Mesa, including the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. The watch also was issued for the Johnson and Bartlett Mesas, including Raton Pass; far northeast Highlands, northeast Highlands and Union County.

In New Mexico, the total snow accumulation could reach 20 inches for elevations above 7,500 feet, with 4 to 10 inches expected below 7,500 feet.

"Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Some roads may be closed," the report said. "Significant travel delays are possible. This will include much of the Interstate 25 corridor within northeastern New Mexico from Glorieta to Las Vegas [New Mexico] to the Raton Pass."

The incoming winter storm will also bring rain for parts of New Mexico, with more than 1 inch forecast for the eastern plains. Snow will be most impactful in northeast New Mexico and in the state's high terrain.

Kines told Newsweek that the Texas panhandle also will see some snow, with slick travel impacting those traveling on Interstate 40.

"It's not all bad news down there," Kines said of the incoming storm. "It is going to bring some snow to the ski areas in northern New Mexico, and those folks will be really happy."

"A storm system will bring rain and/or snow to much of New Mexico Wed - early Fri. Significant snows likely across the northern mtns and NE NM. Abundant rain likely across east central and SE NM. Everyone will have a chance for a little precip at least!" NWS Alburquerque posted on X on Tuesday morning.

The forecast for Colorado and New Mexico comes as eight other states face winter storm warnings with a massive storm bringing heavy rain, wind and snow to the eastern United States. Storm warnings are in effect for parts of New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, West Virginia, Vermont and Washington, as well as Alaska and Idaho.