winter storm – Misryoum reports snow and slick roads risk in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico through Friday night.
A late-season winter system is setting up hazardous travel conditions across parts of Colorado and northern New Mexico, with warnings calling for accumulating snow through Friday night.
Misryoum reports that officials are most concerned about mountain areas. where additional snowfall is expected to make roads slick. visibility spotty. and driving more difficult at higher elevations.. In southern Colorado and the Sangre de Cristo region. the forecast points to ongoing snowfall that could worsen conditions during the evening and into the Friday morning commute.
This matters because even relatively moderate totals can translate into major delays when snow lands on existing springtime thaw and refreeze patterns, especially on mountain passes where traction can change quickly.
In Colorado. Misryoum says winter storm warnings cover ranges including the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. the Wet Mountains. and the Pikes Peak region. including higher terrain in parts of Teller County and the Rampart Range.. Forecasters warned that 3 to 6 inches of additional snow could accumulate. particularly above about 7. 500 feet. with wet. slushy. and snow-packed roads expected over mountain routes.. Winds and falling snow may also reduce visibility at times.
Meanwhile. in northern New Mexico. Misryoum reports a winter storm warning is in effect for the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. where snow is expected to persist through Friday night.. Totals are forecast to range from 2 to 6 inches above higher elevations. with the highest areas above roughly 10. 000 feet facing the possibility of up to around a foot of snow.
While Misryoum notes that the hardest-hit areas are primarily in mountainous terrain, the broader message for travelers is consistent: allow extra time and expect reduced tire traction on winding roads that can go from manageable to dangerous without much warning.
Beyond the main warning zones. Misryoum says additional winter weather advisories stretch across other mountain and nearby areas in central and southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. including regions near Raton Pass and the Tusas Mountains.. Advisory-area totals are generally expected to be lower than warning totals. but slick conditions and snow cover can still develop overnight and during early morning hours.
Cold air concerns extend past the snow. with freeze warnings in place across large parts of the central and western United States. including regions of the Rocky Mountains. the Plains. portions of the Upper Midwest. and parts of Appalachia.. Misryoum reports that officials are cautioning that temperatures well below freezing can harm crops and sensitive vegetation. and that outdoor plumbing may be at risk. particularly if freezing conditions last for multiple nights.
This weekend outlook matters for communities that are already transitioning toward spring: protecting plants, irrigation systems, and pipes can prevent avoidable damage when lingering cold follows the storm.
Looking ahead. Misryoum says officials emphasize that while snowfall totals may not be extreme across all locations. the combination of elevation. snow texture. and springtime road conditions can still create dangerous driving conditions.. Drivers are urged to check local road updates. slow down. and be prepared for winter-like weather even as the calendar moves deeper into spring.