Tens of thousands of people in New Mexico were left without power Thursday as the first major winter storm of the season barreled across the northern two-thirds of the state and into Colorado, bringing heavy snow, fierce winds, and hazardous conditions that prompted school closures and forced government offices to shut down.
Public Service Co. of New Mexico reported widespread outages that had been occurring since overnight and into the early morning hours, with outages spanning from Albuquerque to Santa Fe and beyond. The utility company mobilized dozens of crews to restore service, but as of midday Thursday, about 41,000 customers were still affected. “We know any time without power is frustrating,” the company stated in a message to customers, urging patience as they worked to resolve the issues.
In response to the storm, schools in Santa Fe, Los Alamos, and other cities across northern New Mexico canceled classes, while authorities warned residents to stay off the roads due to treacherous conditions. Snowplows were deployed in an effort to clear major highways, but state police announced that Interstate 25, just south of the Colorado border, had to be closed in both directions due to snow and ice accumulation.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Albuquerque issued a blizzard warning for parts of New Mexico, cautioning drivers about “very dangerous driving conditions” exacerbated by low visibility from blowing snow. In the state’s northeast corner, over 100 vehicles were stranded on highways, further compounding the chaos. Road crews were working tirelessly, but authorities stressed that many roads were impassable or unsafe.
Meanwhile, in Colorado, residents prepared for what could be one of the heaviest snowstorms in years, especially in the Denver area. Interstate 70 across Colorado’s Eastern Plains was also shut down, as blizzard conditions created white-out conditions. Some areas already reported more than 14 inches (35.56 cm) of snow by Thursday afternoon. Forecasters warned that between 1 and 2 inches (5 cm) of snow could accumulate every hour, making travel extremely hazardous.
Tonja Goode Ross, a resident of rural Corona, New Mexico, decided to stay indoors to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate rather than risk driving in the snow. “This is the first real snow of the season,” she said, noting that her home and surrounding pastures were transformed into a winter wonderland. By early morning, nearly a foot (30.48 cm) of snow had already fallen, with another 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) accumulating within just two hours.
“Moisture is always a blessing here no matter the form it comes in,” Ross added, reflecting the mixed feelings many residents have about the storm’s impact. While the snow brings much-needed moisture to the drought-prone region, it also presents significant challenges for transportation and daily activities.
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The National Weather Service has continued to warn of historic snowfall amounts throughout Thursday and into Friday. Some areas of New Mexico and Colorado could see more than 4 feet (1.22 meters) of snow, while snow drifts could exceed 6 feet (1.83 meters) in some places. Authorities warned that travel could become impossible in certain regions, and roads might remain blocked for days due to the intensity of the storm and the heavy snow accumulation.
As the storm continues to move eastward, widespread disruptions are expected across both states. Residents have been urged to prepare for extended power outages and to stay indoors as much as possible. With snow and wind continuing to impact the region, authorities emphasized that driving conditions will remain dangerous, and travelers should monitor local weather reports and road closures before attempting to venture out.
In the coming days, New Mexico and Colorado residents can expect continued snow showers, strong winds, and plummeting temperatures. As the storm makes its way across the region, local governments and power companies will continue working around the clock to address outages and ensure the safety of residents.
This early winter storm serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by severe weather in the region, highlighting the importance of preparation and caution when facing extreme conditions.
