Snow Squall Warning Issued for McKinley, Cibola, and San Juan Counties in New Mexico

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Snow Squall Warning for northwestern and west-central New Mexico. This alert is effective immediately as a dangerous snow squall moves through the region.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic regions in New Mexico:

• McKinley County
• South Central San Juan County
• Northwestern Cibola County

Specific locations impacted include Gallup, Zuni Pueblo, Crownpoint, Thoreau, Coolidge, Standing Rock, Fort Wingate, Church Rock, McGaffey, and Brimhall Nizhoni. This warning specifically includes Interstate 40 between Mile Markers 2 and 66.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the warning area are advised to Slow Down! Rapid changes in visibility and road conditions are expected. Be alert for sudden whiteout conditions. The National Weather Service recommends avoiding travel in the affected area until the squall passes, as travel will become difficult and potentially dangerous within minutes.

Expected Conditions

At 8:25 AM MST, radar indicated a dangerous snow squall along a line extending from Brimhall Nizhoni to 12 miles northwest of Zuni Pueblo, moving southeast at 50 mph. Hazards include:

• Intense bursts of heavy snow
• Gusty winds exceeding 45 mph
• Blowing snow
• Visibility dropping rapidly to less than one-quarter mile

High winds may also knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.

Timeline

The Snow Squall Warning is in effect from 8:25 AM MST until 9:00 AM MST on February 20, 2026.