Full Notification

Forecaster confidence is growing, and an arctic cold front is set to arrive in eastern New Mexico late Friday into Saturday, followed by a second surge of frigid air arriving on Monday. This will lead to a long-duration of very cold, sub-freezing temperatures with bitter wind chills, especially in eastern and northeastern New Mexico. This will create a high risk of frostbite and hypothermia for anyone outside. In addition, light snow will accompany these harsh cold fronts, creating areas of slick travel and reduced visibility in snow and blowing snow. Snow will initially develop over northeastern New Mexico Friday night into Saturday before spreading to other eastern areas of the state Saturday night. Total snowfall accumulations will range from a dusting to 2 inches, with higher amounts of 3 to 6 inches possible along the Colorado New Mexico border. An additional round of light snow could then develop over northern and central New Mexico late Sunday night into Monday with the focus once again being over northeastern areas. Residents, especially those in eastern New Mexico should begin making preparations for the cold, including precautions for people, plants, pipes, and pets. Forecasts will be changing and updating daily, so be sure to monitor NOAA weather radio, weather.gov/abq or your local media for the latest updates on this situation. For the latest road conditions, dial 511 or 1.800.432.4269, or visit nmroads.com.

* AFFECTED AREAS: NORTHWEST PLATEAU ... CHUSKA MOUNTAINS ... FAR NORTHWEST HIGHLANDS ... NORTHWEST HIGHLANDS ... WEST CENTRAL PLATEAU ... WEST CENTRAL MOUNTAINS ... WEST CENTRAL HIGHLANDS ... SOUTHWEST MOUNTAINS ... SAN FRANCISCO RIVER VALLEY ... TUSAS MOUNTAINS INCLUDING CHAMA ... JEMEZ MOUNTAINS ... GLORIETA MESA INCLUDING GLORIETA PASS ... NORTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS ... SOUTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS ... EAST SLOPES SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS ... UPPER RIO GRANDE VALLEY ... ESPANOLA VALLEY ... SANTA FE METRO AREA ... MIDDLE RIO GRANDE VALLEY/ALBUQUERQUE METRO AREA ... LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY ... SANDIA/MANZANO MOUNTAINS INCLUDING EDGEWOOD ... ESTANCIA VALLEY ... CENTRAL HIGHLANDS ... SOUTH CENTRAL HIGHLANDS ... UPPER TULAROSA VALLEY ... SOUTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS ... JOHNSON AND BARTLETT MESAS INCLUDING RATON PASS ... FAR NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS ... NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS ... UNION COUNTY ... HARDING COUNTY ... EASTERN SAN MIGUEL COUNTY ... GUADALUPE COUNTY ... QUAY COUNTY ... CURRY COUNTY ... ROOSEVELT COUNTY ... DE BACA COUNTY ... CHAVES COUNTY PLAINS ... EASTERN LINCOLN COUNTY ... SOUTHWEST CHAVES COUNTY ... SAN AGUSTIN PLAINS AND ADJACENT LOWLANDS