New Mexico Rocked By Winter Storm, Tens Of Thousands Left Without Power [WATCH]

A major winter storm swept across New Mexico on Thursday, leaving tens of thousands without power and prompting closures of schools, government offices, and major highways as snow and powerful winds blanketed the state’s northern and central regions.

Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) deployed numerous crews to restore power, as widespread outages were reported from Albuquerque to Santa Fe and surrounding areas.

Residents were urged to be patient as crews worked through the challenging conditions. “We know any time without power is frustrating,” PNM said in messages to affected customers.

Trump Surges To Victory – Get the Ultimate Trumpinator Bobblehead To Celebrate 2024!

Some school districts, initially considering virtual lessons, canceled classes altogether due to power issues, while schools in Santa Fe and Los Alamos declared a snow day. Snow accumulation from the storm was substantial, with ongoing snowfall expected to continue into Friday.

The storm’s intensity led state police to close Interstate 25 near the Colorado border in both directions by midday, as road conditions deteriorated.

I-40 in Eastern New Mexico @weatherchannel https://t.co/XPlh3o2405

— Chris Bruin (@TWCChrisBruin) November 7, 2024

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Albuquerque issued a blizzard warning for parts of New Mexico, highlighting “very dangerous driving conditions” compounded by low visibility from blowing snow.

The NWS reported that more than 100 vehicles were stranded on highways in the northeastern part of the state, emphasizing the dangers posed by this early-season storm.

Corona, a rural community in central New Mexico, experienced heavy snowfall, transforming the area into a winter landscape.

Local resident Tonja Goode Ross described it as the “first real snow” of the season, with almost a foot of snow accumulation by early morning. “Moisture is always a blessing here — no matter the form it comes in,” Ross said, enjoying a quiet day at home with hot chocolate while admiring the snowfall.

The storm brought significant snow totals to the region, with nearly a foot of snow recorded in some areas early Thursday.

In Corona, an additional 2.5 inches fell within just two hours as the storm continued.

The National Weather Service warned that this storm could bring historic snowfall totals through Friday, with predictions of over 3 feet for parts of northern New Mexico, including Las Vegas.

Snow drifts in these areas could reach heights of 6 feet, making travel potentially impossible for several days.

Plows were actively working to keep highways open, but the heavy snowfall and high winds created a continuous challenge for crews.

Authorities warned residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, as weather conditions were expected to worsen through Friday.

This early-season winter storm has marked one of New Mexico’s most significant snow events in recent years, affecting power, transportation, and daily life throughout the state.

With ongoing snowfall and drifts, residents and state officials remain on alert as conditions develop.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.