Winter storm warning for five states as thousands told to avoid traveling

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple warnings across five states of severe winter weather conditions.

Parts of Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma are all subject to winter storm warnings throughout Thursday and Friday, with residents in the impacted areas being urged not to travel and to make preparations.

“A powerful storm diving down the spine of the Rockies has buried itself over the Four Corners region, cutting itself off from steering winds in the atmosphere,” AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said. “As a result, the storm will be slow to move out of the region over the coming days, bringing impactful weather over the same locations of northern New Mexico, eastern Colorado and the southern Plains.”

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One warning for Albuquerque, New Mexico, said that travel could be very difficult throughout today, urging drivers to check road conditions before traveling. It added that “gusty winds could bring down tree branches that can result in isolated power outages.” Dense freezing fog is also forecast.

Across the state line in Colorado, those in the Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains can expect heavy snowfall, with 6 and 12 inches forecast for the Upper Rio Grande Valley; 12 to 18 inches for the Tusas Mountains; and 24 to 36 inches in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Johnson and Bartlett Mesas. The NWS said that travel in these areas is “highly discouraged,” with road closures likely due to hazardous conditions and significantly reduced visibility.

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In Colorado’s Cheyenne Wells, Wray, Arapahoe, Yuma, and Burlington, there is a significant risk to any animals kept outside. “Severe winter weather conditions are either occurring or imminent, which will produce extreme hardship or loss of life for unprotected livestock,” the warning reads. Other warnings are also in place for Baca, Crowley, Fremont, Las Animas, Pueblo, Teller, Lincoln and Elbert counties.

To the east in Kansas, residents of Sherman County can expect 1 to 3 inches of heavy wet snow. Travelers on Interstate 70 will experience delays and hazardous driving conditions, and there is also a warning regarding loss of life to livestock.

In Oklahoma’s Cimarron County, up to 11 inches of snow is expected, and in neighboring Texas’ Dallam and Sherman counties, up to 6 inches of snow and ice accumulations have been forecast.

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“If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution,” the NWS says. “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.”