3rd winter storm headed into New Mexico

Set the snow shovel by the door, get out the winter boots, keep charged flashlights handy and make sure the pantry is stocked. A storm is headed toward New Mexico packing a one-two punch of high winds and snow, meteorologists warn.


Santa Fe could receive 4 inches of snow or more Friday, the National Weather Service says.


Early Thursday, wind gusts are expected to blast through the state from Raton, potentially affecting travel through canyons such as Glorieta Pass. In Santa Fe, the wind is expected to come from the northeast and shift in the afternoon to blow from the south and southeast.


The wind is likely to increase in intensity after the sun goes down and peak by late Thursday evening, according to meteorologists. Wind gusts of up to 70 miles per hour are expected to rock the middle and lower Rio Grande Valley and the Sandia and Manzano Mountains. The wind chill will drive temperatures down to single digits, especially across Eastern New Mexico.


A snowstorm will follow Friday and last into Saturday, with 4 to 6 inches or more expected in the Santa Fe area. Snow accumulations will occur along the central mountains as far south as Albuquerque, forecasters say.


Wind and blowing snow could create blizzard conditions in various locations around the state, potentially slowing travel on Interstate 25 north of Albuquerque to Raton Pass and on Interstate 40.


Travelers should remember to keep gas tanks topped off, carry extra food and warm clothes, and have some kind of emergency beacon. The high winds also have the potential to knock down power lines, so people should be prepared for power outages. And check santafenewmexican.com for updates.


Despite a slow opening for Ski Santa Fe due to lack of snow, precipitation in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is slightly above the 30-year average for this time of year, according to measurements at telemetry sites.


The National Weather Service says wind gusts in the canyons could reach 40 mph as the front moves in late Sunday, with snow spreading from the northern part of the state into the south.


As much as a foot of new snow is expected above 7,500 feet, with lesser accumulations at lower elevations.


The storm will also bring bitter cold, with lows 20 to 30 degrees below normal and early morning lows on Tuesday falling to the single digits or lower across much of northern New Mexico.


Still, continued lower-than-usual ocean surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific are expected to continue driving low to moderate La Niña conditions across the Southwest. La Niña patterns bring drier, warmer winter conditions to New Mexico. A variety of meteorology models are indicating La Niña is likely to stay around at least until February, according to a Nov. 10 report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.