Friday Feb 20, 2026 de-icing, NW New Mexico: The Pacific cold front causes 3-12in snow, blowing snow squalls, north-central whiteouts, hail/rain in lower elevations, 50-60mph gusts in central/eastern (High Wind Warning Clines Corners-Santa Rosa). Middle Rio Grande/Roswell PM2.5- respiratory threat, asthma/COPD due to allergens/soil particles. The temperature decreases 5-10 degrees below normal (20s-40s), wet I-40/25 highways. NWS recommends that exposure be restricted, observe NM511, and keep vulnerable people inside. Dry breezy warmup Saturday.
Wind Threat Breakdown
- Gusts 50-60mph Clines Corners, Las Vegas, Santa Rosa; power outages, downed trees possible.
- Crosswinds I-40 east, blowing dust vis 1/4mi RGV/Roswell midday peaks.
- Strongest afternoon taper evening; secure items, no high-profile vehicle passes.
- Fire risk is low in the low-humidity plains despite snow; red flag potential.
Snow Squall Dangers
- Tusas/Chama 3-6in, peaks 10-12in; sudden whiteouts on mountain roads US64/84.
- Hail pockets Gallup-Farmington rain mix; black ice overnight.
- Chains required passes, travel on hazardous north-western routes.
Respiratory Protection Steps
- Blowing dust irritates lungs; N95 masks are used outdoors, and HEPA filters are used by asthmatics indoors.
- Hydrate, avoid exertion; AirNow PM2.5 index, ERs, wheezing/chest tightness.
- Seal windows, stay peaks indoors; pets are vulnerable too.
Travel Safety Alerts
NM511 live cams/closures; generators, CO detectors, 72hr kits stocked.
Official Social Update
FAQs
Specific counties warnings?
Tusas/Northwest Highlands Winter Storm, Eddy/Lea Blowing Dust/High Wind; check NWSABQ map interactive zones.
Respiratory why worsened?
Dust PM2.5 lungs, winds allergens asthma flares; heart/COPD patients monitor symptoms AirNow purple bad.
Road conditions check?
NM511 app cams/closures real-time; chains US64/84 passes, avoid east I-40 50mph gusts semis.
Duration impacts expected?
Peaks Fri afternoon-evening, clears late night; Sat dry breezy highs 40s warming trend.
Power outage prep?
Flashlights batteries, fridge minimal opens, CO alarms generators outside; report PNM app downed lines.
