Winter Storm Warning Issued in Colorado and New Mexico and Freeze Warnings in Multiple States
The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings across the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in New Mexico and Colorado through Friday night, with total potential snow accumulations combined among the areas reaching up to 22 inches. At the same time, frigid air behind this system is sweeping across the country, threatening crops and sensitive vegetation with sub-freezing temperatures in over a dozen states.
Southern Rockies Expecting Heavy Snow
Winter storm warnings are in effect across the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains through midnight Friday.
In New Mexico, additional snow accumulations between 6 and 10 inches are forecast above 9,500 feet. The heaviest snow is expected through Friday morning, with snow levels dropping to 7,500 feet. In Colorado, additional accumulations of 3 to 6 inches are expected across the mountains and the Rampart Range, including Pikes Peak and Woodland Park. When combined with previous totals, the highest peaks face a total potential of nearly two feet of accumulation.
“Travel could be very difficult. Tire traction will be reduced,” the NWS said. “If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.”
Freeze Warnings Sweep Across Multiple States
The impact of this cold front extends far beyond the mountain peaks. Freeze warnings have been issued from the Intermountain West to the Great Lakes and Mid-Atlantic as temperatures plunge well below normal for early May.
In Utah and Idaho, temperatures are expected to drop as low as 28 degrees, threatening early-season blooms. Further east, Wisconsin and Michigan are bracing for a hard freeze, with interior areas of Michigan potentially seeing lows reach 22 degrees by Saturday morning.
The NWS warns that these frost and freeze conditions could kill crops and damage unprotected outdoor plumbing. Residents in affected regions are urged to take steps now to protect tender plants and drain in-ground sprinkler systems.