US: Snowstorm to impact portions of the southwestern US, Jan. 11-12

Event

A quick-moving storm system will bring a period of snow to portions of the southwestern US, Jan. 10-11. The affected areas include southeastern Colorado, eastern New Mexico, the far western Oklahoma Panhandle, central Texas, and the Texas Panhandle. Forecast models indicate snow will begin to develop in the early morning hours of Jan. 10 in southeastern Colorado and eastern New Mexico. This area of snow will spread southeastward toward the Texas Panhandle and southeastern New Mexico by midday. In central Texas, rain will fall before changing over to snow in northcentral Texas by the evening of Jan. 10. The storm system is expected to fully depart the region by the morning of Jan. 11. Some uncertainty remains in the forecast track of the system and snowfall totals are subject to change based on where the rain/snow line sets up.

Government Advisories
As of the afternoon of Jan. 8, the US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm watches for portions of southeastern New Mexico and central Texas; this area includes Lubbock, Abilene, and Clovis. Winter weather advisories are also in effect for western areas of the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles. Authorities may issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as the winter storm transits the region over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
The latest forecast guidance indicates the most snow will fall in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Colorado and New Mexico where 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) of snow are expected. About 7.5-15 cm (3-6 inches) are expected in portions of north-central Texas. Lower amounts of 2.5-7.5 cm (1-3 inches) are expected to occur in the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles, as well as central Texas. Little-to-no snow is expected farther south where the precipitation will mainly fall as rain. Meanwhile, the area of higher snow totals may extend farther east toward the Interstate 35 corridor in Texas, depending on the track of the storm.

Transport
The inclement weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions across the affected area, Jan. 10-11. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways, including the I-20, I-25, I-27, and I-40 corridors. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles. Heavy wet snow and strong winds could bring down power lines and trees with foliage. Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at regional airports, including Amarillo (AMA) and Lubbock (LBB).

Advice

Monitor local media for updated weather information. Verify road conditions before driving in areas where heavy snowfall is forecast. Allow extra time to reach destinations in these areas and carry an emergency kit and warm clothes if driving is necessary, especially on secondary or rural routes that could become impassable. Plan accordingly for delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area through Jan. 11. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

National Weather Service
US Road Conditions