Alert archive / New Mexico / Winter Storm Warnings in 2021

Winter Storm Warning 3, NWS El Paso, TX

February 15, 2021Otero County, New Mexico

NWS El Paso, TX issued this winter storm warning at Feb 15, 2021, 10:20 PM MST for Otero County, New Mexico. It took effect at Feb 16, 2021, 5:00 AM MST. It was in force for 18 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Feb 15, 2021, 10:20 PM MST (05:20 UTC)
In effect from
Feb 16, 2021, 5:00 AM MST
Expired
Feb 16, 2021, 10:53 PM MST
In force
18 hr
Issued by
NWS El Paso, TX

County Otero County, NM

The radar

The Holloman AFB radar (KHDX), 63 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 05:23 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Santa Teresa, NM (KEPZ), launched 00:00Z, 5.3 hours before the alert went out and 122 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Santa Teresa, NM at 00:00Z on 2021-02-16Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Santa Teresa, NM at 00:00Z on 2021-02-16The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 267 square meters per square second.1939587897117Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
1382 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
82 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
267 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
305 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

253 
WWUS44 KEPZ 160520
WSWEPZ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service El Paso TX/Santa Teresa NM
1020 PM MST Mon Feb 15 2021

...Another winter storm will impact the Sacramento Mountains and 
the Black Range on Tuesday...

.Another winter storm system will move through southern New 
Mexico on Tuesday. This system will produce additional snowfall 
accumulations to the Gila region including the Black Range, and 
the Sacramento Mountains. Periods of heavy snow will be likely,
especially Tuesday late morning through the afternoon hours. 
Gusty winds and heavy snow may cause whiteout conditions. The 
precipitation associated with this system will diminish through
Tuesday night. Additionally, we will continue to experience cold 
temperatures through Thursday. 

NMZ415-161415-
/O.UPG.KEPZ.WW.Y.0007.210216T1200Z-210217T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KEPZ.WS.W.0003.210216T1200Z-210217T1200Z/
Sacramento Mountains Above 7500 Feet-
Including the city of Cloudcroft
1020 PM MST Mon Feb 15 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TUESDAY TO 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 9
  inches. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

* WHERE...The Sacramento mountains above 7500 ft. in south 
  central New Mexico.

* WHEN...From 5 AM Tuesday to 5 AM MST Wednesday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The heaviest bands of snow will occur
  between 10 AM Tuesday and 5 PM Tuesday. Gusty winds and heavy 
  snowfall will lead to blowing snow and whiteout conditions 
  resulting in significant reductions in visibility and 
  treacherous travel.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

NMZ402-414-416-161415-
/O.CON.KEPZ.WW.Y.0007.210216T1200Z-210217T1200Z/
Southern Gila Highlands/Black Range-
West Slopes Sacramento Mountains Below 7500 Feet-
East Slopes Sacramento Mountains Below 7500 Feet-
Including the cities of Silver City, Lake Roberts, Mescalero, 
Timberon, and Mayhill
1020 PM MST Mon Feb 15 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TUESDAY TO
5 AM MST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Moderate snow expected. Total snow accumulations between
  3 to 6 inches across portions of the Gila and Black Range above
  7500 ft, and the west slopes of the Sacramento mountains. 2 to 
  4 inches possible across east slopes of the Sacramento mountains
  below 7500 ft. 

* WHERE...The east slopes of the Sacramento Mountains in south 
  central New Mexico and the Gila Region including the Black Range
  in southwestern New Mexico.

* WHEN...From 5 AM Tuesday to 5 AM MST Wednesday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The heaviest bands of snow will occur
  between 10 AM Tuesday and 5 PM Tuesday. Gusty winds and heavy 
  periods of snow will lead to blowing snow resulting in 
  significant reductions in visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

DeLizio
3 follow-up statements
511 
WWUS44 KEPZ 161252
WSWEPZ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service El Paso TX/Santa Teresa NM
552 AM MST Tue Feb 16 2021

...Another winter storm will impact the Sacramento Mountains and
the Black Range Today...

.Another winter storm system is moving through southern New 
Mexico today. This system will produce additional snowfall 
accumulations to the Gila region including the Black Range, and 
the Sacramento Mountains. Periods of heavy snow will be likely, 
especially late this morning through the afternoon hours. Gusty 
winds and heavy snow may cause whiteout conditions. The 
precipitation associated with this system will diminish through
tonight. Additionally, we will continue to experience cold 
temperatures through Thursday.

NMZ415-162200-
/O.CON.KEPZ.WS.W.0003.000000T0000Z-210217T1200Z/
Sacramento Mountains Above 7500 Feet-
Including the city of Cloudcroft
552 AM MST Tue Feb 16 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 9 
  inches. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

* WHERE...The Sacramento mountains above 7500 feet in south 
  central New Mexico.

* WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Wednesday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The heaviest bands of snow will occur
  between 10 AM and 5 PM today. Gusty winds and heavy snowfall 
  will lead to blowing snow and whiteout conditions resulting in 
  significant reductions in visibility and treacherous travel.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

NMZ402-414-416-162200-
/O.CON.KEPZ.WW.Y.0007.000000T0000Z-210217T1200Z/
Southern Gila Highlands/Black Range-
West Slopes Sacramento Mountains Below 7500 Feet-
East Slopes Sacramento Mountains Below 7500 Feet-
Including the cities of Silver City, Lake Roberts, Mescalero, 
Timberon, and Mayhill
552 AM MST Tue Feb 16 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Moderate snow expected. Total snow accumulations 
  between 3 to 6 inches across portions of the Gila and Black 
  Range above 7500 ft, and the west slopes of the Sacramento 
  mountains. 2 to 4 inches possible across east slopes of the 
  Sacramento mountains below 7500 ft.

* WHERE...The east slopes of the Sacramento Mountains in south 
  central New Mexico and the Gila Region including the Black 
  Range in southwestern New Mexico.

* WHEN...Now until 5 AM MST Wednesday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The heaviest bands of snow will occur
  between 10 AM and 5 PM today. Gusty winds and heavy periods of 
  snow will lead to blowing snow resulting in significant 
  reductions in visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

Brown
247 
WWUS44 KEPZ 162028
WSWEPZ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service El Paso TX/Santa Teresa NM
128 PM MST Tue Feb 16 2021

...Winter Storm Continues to Move Through the Borderland Today...

.Another winter storm system continues to make its way through 
the Borderland this afternoon. This system is producing 
additional snowfall accumulations in the Gila region and 
Sacramento Mountains. Periods of heavy snow will be likely through
the afternoon and early evening hours. Gusty winds and heavier 
snow showers may cause whiteout conditions at times. All 
precipitation from this system is expected to come to an end by 
midnight tonight. 

NMZ415-170600-
/O.EXT.KEPZ.WS.W.0003.000000T0000Z-210217T0600Z/
Sacramento Mountains Above 7500 Feet-
Including the city of Cloudcroft
128 PM MST Tue Feb 16 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Additional snow accumulations this
  afternoon between 2 and 4 inches, with storm total snow
  accumulations of 8 to 10 inches. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph
  through the evening.

* WHERE...The Sacramento mountains above 7500 feet in south 
  central New Mexico.

* WHEN...Until 11 PM MST this evening.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The heaviest snow is expected to occur
  between now and 5 PM. Gusty winds and heavier snow showers will
  result in blowing snow and reduced visibilities at times. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Most roads are snow-covered making travel very hazardous. Some
roads may become impassable in spots. If you must travel, keep an
extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an 
emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are 
calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

NMZ402-414-416-170600-
/O.EXT.KEPZ.WW.Y.0007.000000T0000Z-210217T0600Z/
Southern Gila Highlands/Black Range-
West Slopes Sacramento Mountains Below 7500 Feet-
East Slopes Sacramento Mountains Below 7500 Feet-
Including the cities of Silver City, Lake Roberts, Mescalero, 
Timberon, and Mayhill
128 PM MST Tue Feb 16 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...Moderate snow expected. Additional snow accumulations of to
  1 to 3 inches through the evening hours. Storm total snow 
  accumulations will be between 3 to 6 inches across portions of 
  the Gila and Black Range above 7500 ft, and the west slopes of 
  the Sacramento mountains. 2 to 4 inches possible across east 
  slopes of the Sacramento mountains below 7500 ft.

* WHERE...The east slopes of the Sacramento Mountains in south 
  central New Mexico and the Gila Region including the Black 
  Range in southwestern New Mexico.

* WHEN...Until 11 PM MST this evening.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The heaviest snow will occur between now
  and 5 PM. Gusty winds and heavier snow showers will result in
  blowing snow and reduced visibilities at times. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Roads are likely snow-covered in some areas making driving 
hazardous. Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest 
road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained
by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

Pegram
974 
WWUS44 KEPZ 170553
WSWEPZ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM
1053 PM MST Tue Feb 16 2021

NMZ415-170700-
/O.CAN.KEPZ.WS.W.0003.000000T0000Z-210217T0600Z/
Sacramento Mountains Above 7500 Feet-
Including the cities of Cloudcroft, Sunspot, and Apache Summit
1053 PM MST Tue Feb 16 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED...

Winter precipitation has ended.

$$

NMZ414-416-170700-
/O.CAN.KEPZ.WW.Y.0007.000000T0000Z-210217T0600Z/
West Slopes Sacramento Mountains Below 7500 Feet-
East Slopes Sacramento Mountains Below 7500 Feet-
Including the cities of Mescalero, Timberon, Mountain Park, 
Mayhill, Pinon, and Sacramento
1053 PM MST Tue Feb 16 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

Winter precipitation has ended.

$$

NMZ402-170900-
/O.EXT.KEPZ.WW.Y.0007.000000T0000Z-210217T0900Z/
Southern Gila Highlands/Black Range-
Including the cities of Silver City, Lake Roberts, Kingston, 
and Fort Bayard
1053 PM MST Tue Feb 16 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 AM MST
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Light snow expected. Additional snow accumulations of to
  1 to 2 inches. Storm total snow accumulations will be between 3
  to 6 inches across portions of the Gila and Black Range above 
  7500 ft, and the west slopes of the Sacramento mountains. 2 to 4
  inches possible across east slopes of the Sacramento mountains 
  below 7500 ft. 

* WHERE...The east slopes of the Sacramento Mountains in south 
  central New Mexico and the Gila Region including the Black 
  Range in southwestern New Mexico. 

* WHEN...Until 2AM MST.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Roads are likely snow-covered in some areas making driving
hazardous. Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest
road conditions for the state you are calling from can be
obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

The office that day

Everything else NWS El Paso, TX issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Feb 15, 7:18 PM MSTWind AdvisoryEPZGrant, Hidalgo, Luna24 hr
Feb 16, 2:21 PM MSTFreezing Fog AdvisoryEPZOtero9 hr

Nearby

Winter Storm Warnings in New Mexico, 2021Every winter storm warning in 2021

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.