Winter Storm Watch: Up to 14 Inches of Snow and Hazardous Travel Expected in New Mexico

The calendar is ready to turn to May, but winter is still making its presence felt in certain parts of the United States. Multiple winter storm warnings and watches have been issued for later in the week.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), several areas of New Mexico--the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and Johnson and Bartlett Mesas Including Raton Pass--are preparing for heavy snow and potentially dangerous travel in the coming days.

Over one foot of snow possible

The NWS Albuquerque office announced late Tuesday night that a Winter Storm Watch is in effect for the areas listed above from Thursday morning through Friday evening.

Snow accumulations are expected to be between 3 and 8 inches between 7500 and 9500 feet and 8 to 14 inches above 9500 feet. Travel could prove "very difficult," with tire chains necessary when driving through mountain passes.

"Snow levels will be between 9000 to 10000 feet during the onset of precipitation on Thursday, dropping to around 7500 feet Friday morning following the passage of a cold front," NWS Albuquerque said. "The period of heaviest snow is expected late Thursday night through Friday morning."

More snow, freezing temps expected elsewhere

In addition to New Mexico, up to 20 inches of snow is expected in some of the mountain ranges of Colorado this week, according to NWS Pueblo. Wyoming is also scheduled to experience snow--up to 10 inches worth--on Cloud Peak and Franks Peak.

Meanwhile, moving eastward, several regions are bracing for colder than normal temperatures in the coming days.

“Some record low maximum temperatures may be set in the Southern states, with highs in the 40s and 50s in some locations, compared to historical averages in the 70s to near 80,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said. “That’s 20 to 30 degrees below average.”

AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Bob Larson added that daytime highs in the Midwest and Northeast "will run several to 10 degrees below average this time, compared to 15 to 30 degrees below average last week."

How to be ready

If you're in the area of one of these late winter storms, check out this Men's Journal guide on eight items that are essential for surviving the inclement weather.

Also, here's a safety checklist of things to do to make sure your home is ready to withstand a serious winter weather event.