Major Winter Storm To Cause Widespread Problems From NM & Eastward To The East Coast!
Carlsbad Beach/Golf Course.
If you are not ready for this winter storm, then you had better finalize your preparations and plans because this one looks to be a doozy! Widespread winter weather impacts, including travel problems and power outages, look to be on the table for parts of New Mexico and most of West Texas.
Abundant mid-high level sub-tropical (record levels of moisture for this time of the year) will stream northeastward into the region ahead of the cut-off upper-level low located west of LA this morning. As this low moves southeastward and into the Baja Region Friday and Friday night it will phase with a deep and very cold long-wave trough of low pressure diving southwestward out of the northern plains and into the Desert Southwest. The two systems will merge and swing eastward across the state on Sunday, providing the necessary lift and instability for a widespread major winter storm.
Meanwhile, a powerful arctic cold front will backdoor its way southward down the eastern half of the state on Friday into Saturday. The forecast models continue to struggle with the speed and location of this front. If it arrives sooner than forecast temps will be colder than forecast. A very cold airmass will overspread much of the state Friday into the weekend with the coldest temperatures along and east of the central mountain chain.
Low-level upslope flow behind the front will add to the mix and create nearly ideal conditions for the production of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow across most of the state and nearby areas Friday into the weekend.
This is going to be a significant major winter storm affecting much of New Mexico and points east all the way to the East Coast this weekend. Widespread travel problems from ice storms and heavy snows with numerous road closures, power interruptions, and outages, even prolonged outages, may be possible.
There remains some uncertainty in how much freezing rain, sleet, and snow we will end up with across eastern and southeastern New Mexico and the Permian Basin. Current forecasts for the Southeastern Plains call for a tenth of an inch of accumulating ice, up to a quarter of an inch or more of ice from the Pecos River east into the Permian Basin.
Cut-off lows are notorious for not following model forecasts, meaning that they seemingly at times do what they want and not what they are forecast to do. Such may be the case with this incoming storm. Any subtle shift in the storm track as little as 50-100 miles to the north or south will cause heavier snows to fall in some areas and lesser amounts in others. If the storm slows down or digs further south than currently forecast, the same will be true.
We may start out with rain, then transition over to freezing rain and sleet on Friday afternoon across the southeastern plains eastward into West Texas. This should change over to all snow either Friday night or Saturday morning.
Snow will be heavy at times over the central mountain chain, the eastern and southeastern plains, and the south-central mountains, and local totals could exceed 4" across the southeastern plains. Current forecasts call for 4" to 8" to fall over the eastern plains with 8" to 16" to fall over the central mountain chain above 9,000'.
Snow levels across central and western New Mexico on Friday afternoon will be around 7,000', dropping through Saturday. The latest model forecasts as of noon today indicate that the cut-off low to our west is trending further south and a little slower.
Ice Storm Warnings are a real possibility across eastern and southeastern New Mexico eastward into West Texas and beyond. More likely, the further east you go into Texas and Oklahoma.
Snow upon the accumulating freezing rain and sleet will make for dangerous, if not life-threatening, conditions on area roads and highways. Widespread travel disruptions and road closures are likely in many areas. Although blizzard conditions are not currently anticipated near whitout conditions will exist at times in the hardest hit areas with heavy snow and blowing snow. Areas of freezing fog will add to the hazard potential on our roads and highways.
Honestly, if you don't have to travel, it would be a good idea to stay at home and wait out the storm....which may be until Monday before conditons imporve.
Brutally cold temperatures and wind chill temperatures will make for life threatening conditons in many areas. Highs across from the central mountains east out onto the eastern plains on Saturday and Sunday will be in the teens and twenties.
Temperatures will plummet below freezing across the eastern half of New Mexico by Friday night and not rise above freezing until next Tuesday.
Wind chill temps in SE NM are forecast to drop down to -5F to 5F. Wind chill temps across the central mountain chain and eastern half of the state are forecast to drop down to as low as 0F to -15F. The higher northern mountain locations will see wind chills down to -20F to -30F. Across the south Plains of Texas down to -15F. In the Texas Panhandle down to -20F.
Lows from the central mountain chain east out onto the plains Sunday and Monday mornings will be in the single digits to below zero. How cold it gets will depend upon the snow pack and how fast our skies clear.
Action should be taken now to protect the homeless, elderly, young children, and others who are vunerable to the cold. Don't forget your livestock, other outdoor animals, and pets.
(Click On The Link For The Latest Updates).
(Worst Case Forecasts).
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX 1227 PM MST Thu Jan 22 2026 TXZ270-222030- /O.CAN.KMAF.WS.A.0001.260123T1800Z-260125T1200Z/ Guadalupe Mountains Above 7000 Feet- Including the cities of Guadalupe Mountains National Park 1227 PM MST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...WINTER STORM WATCH IS CANCELLED... $$ NMZ027>029-033-034-TXZ045>048-050>053-059>063-067>070-075-082- 271>274-277>279-251200- /O.UPG.KMAF.WS.A.0001.260123T1800Z-260125T1200Z/ /O.NEW.KMAF.WS.W.0001.260123T1800Z-260125T1200Z/ Guadalupe Mountains of Eddy County-Eddy County Plains-Northern Lea-Central Lea-Southern Lea-Gaines-Dawson-Borden-Scurry-Andrews- Martin-Howard-Mitchell-Loving-Winkler-Ector-Midland-Glasscock- Ward-Crane-Upton-Reagan-Pecos-Terrell-Guadalupe and Delaware Mountains-Van Horn and Highway 54 Corridor-Eastern Culberson- Reeves County Plains-Davis Mountains-Davis Mountains Foothills- Central Brewster- Including the cities of Colorado City, Pine Springs, Seminole, Big Bend National Park, Pecos, Marathon, Crane, Hobbs, Fort Stockton, Carlsbad, Lovington, Gail, Queen, Andrews, Dryden, Lamesa, McCamey, Stanton, Big Spring, Snyder, Tatum, Rankin, Monahans, Alpine, Sanderson, Garden City, Fort Davis, Kermit, Odessa, Midland, Eunice, Mentone, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Carlsbad Caverns NP, Jal, Artesia, Big Lake, Panther Junction, and Van Horn 1227 PM MST Thu Jan 22 2026 /127 PM CST Thu Jan 22 2026/ ...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM MST /NOON CST/ FRIDAY TO 5 AM MST /6 AM CST/ SUNDAY... * WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Storm total snow and sleet accumulations of 1 to 3 inches possible along amd north of I-20, with lesser amounts south. Storm total ice accumulations of a quarter of an inch or more east of the Pecos. * WHERE...Portions of southeast New Mexico and southwest and western Texas. * WHEN...From 11 AM MST /noon CST/ Friday to 5 AM MST /6 AM CST/ Sunday. * IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. In New Mexico, dial 511 or visit nmroads.com for current road conditions. In Texas, dial 800-452-9292 or visit drivetexas.org for current road conditions. Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order. Keep cellphones charged in case power is lost. && $$ DeBerry
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Albuquerque NM 1207 PM MST Thu Jan 22 2026 NMZ210>218-221>224-226-229-232>234-237-239-230315- /O.UPG.KABQ.WS.A.0002.260123T1800Z-260125T1200Z/ /O.NEW.KABQ.WS.W.0002.260123T1800Z-260125T1200Z/ 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-Sandia and Manzano Mountains including Edgewood-Estancia Valley-Central Highlands-South Central Highlands-South Central Mountains-Northeast Highlands-Eastern San Miguel County-Guadalupe County-Quay County-De Baca County-Eastern Lincoln County- 1207 PM MST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM FRIDAY TO 5 AM MST SUNDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snow. Total snow accumulations between 4 and 8 inches across much of the eastern half of New Mexico with higher amounts of 8 to 16 inches above 9,000 feet. * WHERE...Much of central to east central New Mexico, including Interstate 40 from Tijeras to Santa Rosa to the Texas border. * WHEN...From 11 AM Friday to 5 AM MST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel will become very difficult to impossible for an extended period of time, most notably along I-40 from Tijeras Canyon to the Texas border. The weight of accumulating snow will stress the power grid, potentially creating outages. An extended period of cold temperatures will increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Bitterly cold temperatures will also accompany this winter storm, with the coldest temperatures in the eastern plains of New Mexico. Temperatures will be coldest Sunday and Monday mornings when much of the eastern half of New Mexico will be in the single digits with much colder wind chills. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. For the latest road conditions, dial 511 or 1.800.432.4269, or visit http://nmroads.com. && $$ NMZ235-236-238-240-230315- /O.UPG.KABQ.WS.A.0002.260123T1800Z-260125T1200Z/ /O.NEW.KABQ.WS.W.0002.260123T1800Z-260125T1200Z/ Curry County-Roosevelt County-Chaves County Plains-Southwest Chaves County- 1207 PM MST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM FRIDAY TO 5 AM MST SUNDAY... * WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches and ice accumulations around one tenth of an inch. * WHERE...Curry County, Roosevelt County, Chaves County Plains, and Southwest Chaves County. * WHEN...From 11 AM Friday to 5 AM MST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel will become very difficult. Tire traction will be reduced. Extend the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. The hazardous conditions will impact the Friday evening commute. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Bitterly cold temperatures will also accompany this winter storm, with the coldest temperatures in the eastern plains of New Mexico. Temperatures will be coldest Sunday and Monday mornings when much of eastern New Mexico will be in the single digits with much colder wind chills. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. For the latest road conditions, dial 511 or 1.800.432.4269, or visit http://nmroads.com. && $$ NMZ227-228-230-231-230315- /O.NEW.KABQ.WW.Y.0002.260123T1800Z-260125T1200Z/ Johnson and Bartlett Mesas Including Raton Pass-Far Northeast Highlands-Union County-Harding County- 1207 PM MST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM FRIDAY TO 5 AM MST SUNDAY... * WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 3 inches. An extended period of cold temperatures will also increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. * WHERE...Far Northeast Highlands, Harding County, Johnson and Bartlett Mesas Including Raton Pass, and Union County. * WHEN...From 11 AM Friday to 5 AM MST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Tire traction will be reduced. Extend the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. This includes portions of U.S. Highways 70/380 and 285. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Bitterly cold temperatures will also accompany this winter storm, with the coldest temperatures in the eastern plains of New Mexico. Temperatures will be coldest Sunday and Monday mornings when much of eastern New Mexico will be in the single digits with much colder wind chills. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. For the latest road conditions, dial 511 or 1.800.432.4269, or visit http://nmroads.com. && $$ NMZ207-208-219-225-241-230315- /O.CON.KABQ.WS.A.0002.260124T1200Z-260125T1200Z/ West Central Highlands-Southwest Mountains-Middle Rio Grande Valley including the Albuquerque Metro Area-Upper Tularosa Valley- San Agustin Plains and Adjacent Lowlands- 1207 PM MST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH LATE SATURDAY NIGHT... * WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations generally between 1 inch and 4 inches except higher amounts of 4 to 8 inches above 7,500 feet. * WHERE...Middle Rio Grande Valley including the Albuquerque Metro Area, West Central Highlands, Southwest Mountains, Upper Tularosa Valley, and San Agustin Plains and Adjacent Lowlands. * WHEN...From late Friday night through late Saturday night. * IMPACTS...Plan on snow packed or icy road conditions. This includes portions of I-40. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Rain is likely in many of these areas below 7,500 feet Friday and Friday night, with a transition over to snow on Saturday when snow levels drop below valley floors. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. Those planning to travel Friday through Sunday morning should pay close attention given the potential for travel impacts, especially along I-40. && $$ Shoemake
(Worst Case Forecasts).
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM 520 PM MST Thu Jan 22 2026 NMZ416-231900- /O.UPG.KEPZ.WS.A.0001.260124T1200Z-260125T1800Z/ /O.NEW.KEPZ.WS.W.0001.260124T1200Z-260125T1800Z/ East Slopes Sacramento Mountains Below 7500 Feet- Including the cities of Mayhill, Sacramento, and Pinon 520 PM MST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM SATURDAY TO 11 AM MST SUNDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snowfall of 4 to 8 inches common with a few areas as high as 10 inches. Additionally, rain may mix with freezing rain Saturday Morning. * WHERE...East Slopes Sacramento Mountains Below 7500 Feet. * WHEN...From 5 AM Saturday to 11 AM MST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The bulk of the snow will occur Saturday afternoon into the overnight hours. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. && $$ NMZ414-415-231900- /O.UPG.KEPZ.WS.A.0001.260124T1200Z-260125T1800Z/ /O.NEW.KEPZ.WW.Y.0002.260124T1200Z-260125T1800Z/ West Slopes Sacramento Mountains Below 7500 Feet-Sacramento Mountains Above 7500 Feet- Including the cities of Timberon, Apache Summit, Cloudcroft, Sunspot, Mountain Park, and Mescalero 520 PM MST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM SATURDAY TO 11 AM MST SUNDAY... * WHAT...Snowfall of 4 to 8 inches with higher amounts above 9500 feet. * WHERE...Sacramento Mountains Above 7500 Feet and West Slopes Sacramento Mountains Below 7500 Feet. * WHEN...From 5 AM Saturday to 11 AM MST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Travel could be very difficult. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Rain will mix with snow in the morning on Saturday but the bulk of the snowfall will occur during the afternoon and evening hours into the overnight hours. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. && $$ NMZ417-TXZ420>422-231900- /O.NEW.KEPZ.WW.Y.0002.260124T1200Z-260125T1800Z/ Otero Mesa-Northern Hudspeth Highlands/Hueco Mountains-Salt Basin- Southern Hudspeth Highlands- Including the cities of Dell City, Cornudas, Salt Flat, Loma Linda, Sierra Blanca, Hueco Tanks, and Crow Flats 520 PM MST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM SATURDAY TO 11 AM MST SUNDAY... * WHAT...A mix of rain and freezing rain Saturday morning with light ice accumulations. Then, 1 to 2 inches of snow Saturday night into Sunday morning. * WHERE...Much of Hudspeth County and far eastern El Paso County. * WHEN...From 5 AM Saturday to 11 AM MST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The bulk of the snow will occur during the evening and overnight hours Saturday into Sunday morning. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. && $$ For additional information, visit us at http://www.weather.gov/epz AB
(Worst Case Forecasts).
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Lubbock TX 1141 AM CST Thu Jan 22 2026 TXZ021>044-230600- /O.UPG.KLUB.WS.A.0001.260123T1800Z-260125T1800Z/ /O.NEW.KLUB.WS.W.0001.260123T1800Z-260125T1800Z/ Parmer-Castro-Swisher-Briscoe-Hall-Childress-Bailey-Lamb-Hale- Floyd-Motley-Cottle-Cochran-Hockley-Lubbock-Crosby-Dickens-King- Yoakum-Terry-Lynn-Garza-Kent-Stonewall- Including the cities of Plains, Roaring Springs, Old Glory, Wellman, Quitaque, Jayton, Guthrie, Tulia, Dimmitt, Bovina, Morton, Denver City, Muleshoe, Matador, Floydada, Olton, Wolfforth, Spur, Memphis, Paducah, Post, ODonnell, Friona, New Home, Lockney, Amherst, Littlefield, Ralls, Childress, Dickens, Sundown, Lake Alan Henry, Tahoka, Aspermont, Happy, Levelland, Kirkland, Cee Vee, Meadow, Crosbyton, Lubbock, Hart, Hale Center, Plainview, Dumont, Brownfield, Whiteface, Farwell, Slaton, Silverton, and Turkey 1141 AM CST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON FRIDAY TO NOON CST SUNDAY... * WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation likely. Total snow and sleet accumulations in excess of 4 inches are likely across portions of the region and ice accumulations in excess of one tenth of an inch are possible. * WHERE...The South Plains, Rolling Plains, and the far southern Texas Panhandle. * WHEN...From noon Friday to noon CST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Roads will become slick and hazardous, and travel could be extremely difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute. Power outages and tree damage are possible. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Persons are urged to stay indoors until conditions improve. If you must go outside, dress in layers. Several layers of clothes will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Gloves, a scarf, and a hat will keep you from losing your body heat. Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order. && $$ 01
ECMWF 500 Millibar Forecast.
There Are None So Blind As Those Who "Will - Not" To See...107.
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