Special Weather Statement: Snowfall Expected

Above, snowfall on New Year's Day in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Weather Channel has posted a Special Weather Statement for northern and western areas of New Mexico.

Interestingly, the National Weather Service doesn't have this Special Weather Statement. 

Here's the Special Weather Statement:

Weather Alerts-Jamestown, NM

Special Weather Statement until TUE 4:00 PM MST

Action Recommended

Avoid the subject event as per the instructions

Issued By

Albuquerque - NM, US, National Weather Service

Affected Area

West Central Mountains

Description

...LIGHT TO OCCASIONALLY MODERATE SNOWFALL EXPECTED FOR THE MOUNTAINS OF NORTHERN AND WESTERN NEW MEXICO LATE THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT...

An upper level disturbance will approach northern New Mexico today, drawing increased moisture into parts of the state. This will slowly set the stage for some light to occasionally moderate snowfall across high terrain areas of western and northern New Mexico. Scattered snow showers are expected to develop by this evening, with occasional periods of accumulation later tonight into Wednesday and Wednesday night. Snow is expected to come to an end late Wednesday night.

Snowfall amounts will be greatest in the high elevations above 9,000 feet in northern New Mexico where up to 4 or 5 inches of fresh accumulation are expected. Other high terrain areas between 7,000 and 9,000 feet within northern, western and central New Mexico should generally only see a dusting to an inch or two of accumulation.

After such a prolonged dry spell, residents and travelers are reminded to make preparations and exercise caution as this weather system approaches. High elevation roads and mountain passes could turn slick as roads become snow packed, and visibility may be reduced during heavier snow showers tonight through Wednesday night. Stay updated with the latest forecasts at weather.gov/abq or via your preferred media source.