National Weather Service Issues 'Heavy Snow' Warning, Advises Delaying Travel 'If Possible'

The final days of 2025 are bringing severe winter weather to several regions of the country. On Monday, the National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning for areas of New Mexico, where "heavy snow" and other hazardous conditions are making travel dicey.

"Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous," the warning reads. "Some roads could become slick, especially secondary roads and on overpasses. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes."

The Winter Storm Warning remains in place until 11 p.m. local time Monday night.

Residents asked to 'delay' travel

The NWS Albuquerque is advising residents in the Eddy County Plains, southwest Chaves County and near the Sacramento Mountains to travel only if "absolutely necessary."

"Persons should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution," the NWS said. "Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded."

Several inches of 'heavy' snow expected

On X/Twitter, the National Weather Service provided additional context on how much snow is expected in what parts of New Mexico after previously saying on its official website that the precipitation would be "heavy."

"Snow is developing across the southern Sacramento Mountains and far southeast plains of New Mexico expanding to as far north as Ruidoso and Roswell by mid this morning," the tweet advised. "Snow will taper off this evening. Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories are in effect."

In a graphic included in the same tweet, snowfall projections were listed, calling for up to 3-to-8 inches in the Sacramento Mountains and up to 2-to-7 inches elsewhere.

The towns of Artesia, Carlsbad, Cloudcroft, Hobbs, Roswell and Ruidoso are all covered under this advisory.

For more information from the National Weather Service, click here.