Stranded Vehicles in New Mexico Snowstorm

In rural New Mexico, roughly 100 vehicles were left stranded Thursday when a semi-truck jackknifed, blocking a highway amid a fierce snowstorm. The early-season storm has caused chaos throughout New Mexico and Colorado, leaving areas buried in heavy snow and prompting authorities to caution against travel as hazardous conditions continue.

The incident took place on US Highway 64/87 in Union County, New Mexico, where a semi-truck skidded and blocked traffic, trapping cars in deep snow drifts. Local officials noted that most of the stranded vehicles are small cars, making it challenging to free them from snow accumulations reaching over eight feet in certain spots.

Union County’s emergency manager, Kristopher Lawrence, reported that rescue teams are actively working to reach these vehicles, though progress has been slow. “Most everybody that’s out here is in some sort of a small car, and [it is] almost impossible without moving major snow amounts to get them broke free, but we are trying,” Lawrence told CNN. Despite moving the jackknifed truck and attempting to clear the road, ongoing snowfall and drifting have made it difficult to provide an accessible route.

Intense Snowfall and Warnings Across the Region

More than 5.8 million residents in Colorado and New Mexico are currently under winter storm warnings as the snowstorm continues its onslaught, per the National Weather Service (NWS) in Albuquerque. Northern parts of New Mexico have already seen over 10 inches of snow, with forecasts indicating additional snowfall over the weekend. Winds gusting up to 40 mph have worsened conditions, creating near-blizzard environments and wind chills that feel as cold as 17°F.

Snowfall in northeastern New Mexico has led to widespread road closures and numerous accidents, straining local resources. Additional snow of up to 20 inches is anticipated in areas like Clayton and Des Moines by the end of Friday, according to the NWS.

Amid the storm, the NWS issued a rare blizzard warning for San Miguel, Highlands, Harding, and Union counties in New Mexico, which will remain in effect through Thursday night. Officials expect these blizzard conditions to persist through Friday night, particularly affecting Colfax, Union, San Miguel, and Harding counties.

Rescue Efforts Underway

The New Mexico National Guard has been deployed to assist stranded drivers. However, given the incident’s rural location, resources are scarce, and rescue teams are facing extreme winter conditions. “The jackknifed semi is out of here already, and that’s how we were able to get 30 to 40 cars moved,” Lawrence explained, adding that snowplows and dozers are on their way to help clear additional paths.

With temperatures well below freezing, officials have instructed drivers to conserve fuel and avoid keeping their engines running continuously to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. “What we’re instructing them to do is to run their vehicles for around 10 to 15 minutes and then shut them off, wait another 15 to 20 minutes or until they can’t stand the cold, and start them back up again,” Lawrence advised.

Power Outages and Low Visibility

The storm’s impact has stretched beyond roadways. More than 30,000 New Mexico customers are experiencing power outages, as reported by PowerOutage.us. Blowing snow has created near-whiteout conditions, severely limiting visibility. Clayton Municipal Airpark in Union County has reported wind gusts reaching up to 45 mph, with sustained speeds over 30 mph throughout Thursday.

The weather service anticipates that areas in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado will continue seeing heavy snow accumulation. Some Colorado locations have already recorded up to 36 inches over the past three days. In Las Vegas, New Mexico, snowfall has reached 24 inches, tying a November record as the storm continues.

Colorado Also Hard-Hit by the Storm

In southeastern Colorado, conditions are similarly severe, with winter storm warnings in effect. The NWS office in Pueblo has issued alerts for southeastern Colorado until early Saturday morning. Parts of southern Colorado and northern New Mexico are expected to receive an additional one to two feet of snow, adding to the significant accumulation already impacting daily life.

This intense early-season snowstorm, classified as “powerful” by the Weather Prediction Center, has raised concerns over the region’s preparedness. Authorities are urging residents to remain indoors and avoid travel until the storm passes.

Preparedness and Safety Recommendations

For those still stranded, the primary goal is to free vehicles safely and clear the roads. However, with significant snow depths and freezing temperatures, rescue operations are expected to extend into Friday. The National Weather Service advises residents in affected areas to stay updated on local alerts, avoid travel if possible, and prepare for power outages and potential delays in emergency responses.

Authorities emphasize the importance of staying informed and safe during this severe winter storm.