On Thursday, residents in New Mexico and Colorado sheltered from harsh winter weather that rendered many roads impassable. Weather experts warned of potentially record-breaking snowfall in the area.

While a few inches of snow were expected at lower altitudes, forecasters indicated that in the Sangre de Cristo, Jemez, and Sandia-Manzano mountains, snowfall could reach “feet, not inches.”

Blizzard warnings and winter weather advisories were issued for extensive regions in New Mexico and Colorado, with the National Weather Service in Albuquerque forecasting the storm’s persistence until Friday evening.

Approximately 45,000 residents in New Mexico experienced power outages on Thursday. The Public Service Company of New Mexico reported that their teams are working diligently to restore power, although they cautioned that outages might be extensive and prolonged due to the storm.

Forecasters had been warning locals about the impending storm for several days, advising them to prepare by gathering emergency supplies, filling gas tanks, bringing pets indoors, and checking in on neighbors.

“If you’re hearing predictions on the news that sound alarmingly high for November snowfall, trust them. This is a SIGNIFICANT storm,” the Albuquerque weather service cautioned on Wednesday.

Lisa Pieniazek, an educational assistant in Sandia Park, New Mexico, about 25 miles from Albuquerque, reported receiving 17 inches of snow at her home, with nearby roads icy and slushy.

Pieniazek expressed her hope that the power would stay on, as she knows some nearby residences have lost electricity. Her own power flickered overnight. Twenty-five miles to the west, roads remained wet but clear, while 50 miles to the east, the interstate was closed due to accidents and poor visibility.

“We’re somewhat in the heart of the storm,” Pieniazek remarked. “It’s more snow than we have seen in a long time.”

Snow and ice-covered roads causing stranded vehicles

Over 100 vehicles have become stranded on Highways 56, 412, and 87, according to the weather service in Albuquerque. Residents were advised to stay off the highways to allow emergency crews to assist stranded drivers. Numerous car accidents were reported in the eastern slopes of the Sangre De Cristo mountains.

“Travel is strongly discouraged,” emphasized the weather service.

Parts of the interstate in northeastern New Mexico were closed in both directions on Thursday due to ice and snow on the roads, reported the State Police. To add to the challenges, thick fog is expected to develop Thursday night and persist into Friday night, according to forecasters.

Significant snowfall expected in parts of Colorado

Forecasters in Colorado indicated that several rounds of snow will impact the area through Saturday morning. The heavy snow could cause downed trees, power lines, and impact agricultural activities, according to the weather service in Pueblo.

“Very heavy snow” is anticipated on Thursday and Friday within the South I-25 corridor. The Huerfano and Las Animas counties could see snow totals of 3 to 4 feet, which could match historical snowfall for October and November in the region.

During peak snowfall, rates could range from 1 to 2 inches per hour, with the potential for bursts of up to 3 inches hourly. Visibility may drop to less than one-quarter mile, forecasters warned.