ALBUQUERQUE – A storm dropped snow on New Mexico on Tuesday, making travel hazardous in some areas.
National Weather Service forecasters said snow was expected to begin tapering off in western New Mexico on Tuesday and then in the Rio Grande Valley on Tuesday night, with last snow falling in the state’s eastern plains on Wednesday.
Forecasters said freezing rain was possible in southeastern New Mexico.
Snowfall was expected to total up to 4 inches in Albuquerque and up to 12 inches in Tucumcari, the weather service said.
In Albuquerque, nonessential city services and municipal offices were closed Tuesday because of snowfall and freezing temperatures that affected driving conditions.
The city deployed sanding and plow trucks to clear snow-packed and icy roads but Albuquerque residents were advised to limit travel.
Difficult driving conditions were reported in other parts of the state, including the Las Cruces and Socorro areas.
The moisture offered a much-needed break for many parts of the state that have gone weeks without rain. According to the latest drought map, the entire state is suffering from moderate drought or worse.
