Snow Squall Warning Issued for Bernalillo and Cibola Counties in New Mexico

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Snow Squall Warning for central and west central New Mexico. The alert was issued at 9:45 AM MST and remains in effect until 10:30 AM MST today.

Affected Areas

The warning covers Bernalillo County in central New Mexico and Northeastern Cibola County in west central New Mexico. Impacted locations include Laguna Pueblo, New Laguna, Cubero, Cebolletita, Mesita, San Fidel, Skyline-Ganipa, McCartys, Encinal, and Paraje. This warning specifically includes a stretch of Interstate 40 between Mile Markers 88 and 127.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the warning area are advised to slow down immediately. Rapid changes in visibility and road conditions are expected. Drivers should be alert for sudden whiteout conditions and avoid travel if possible until the squall passes.

Expected Conditions

At 9:45 AM MST, radar indicated a dangerous snow squall located near McCartys, or approximately 7 miles southeast of Grants, moving east at 45 mph. Hazards include intense bursts of heavy snow and gusty winds exceeding 35 mph. These conditions will lead to blowing snow and rapidly falling visibility to less than one-quarter mile. Travel is expected to become difficult and potentially dangerous within minutes of the squall’s arrival.

Timeline

The Snow Squall Warning is effective immediately as of 9:45 AM MST and is scheduled to expire at 10:30 AM MST on February 20, 2026.