NW New Mexico Strong Wind, Snow and Hail Expected Friday: Precautions for Respiratory Issues

NW New Mexico is preparing against the hazards of Friday Feb 20, 2026: high winds /strong gusts of 40-70mph, majority of blowing snow NW Highlands/Tusas Mountains 2-6in, hail pockets lower elevations per NWS Albuquerque. Winter Storm Warnings north mountains/Sandias up to morning; High Wind Warnings east/Guadalupe Peaks. Blowing dust RGV/east plains spikes respiratory hazard- asthma/COPD exacerbation by small particles. Temps 20s-40s, wind chill teens, slick roads, fire danger plains. Restrict outdoor activities, wear masks, stay home, and check air quality. Trending warnings call on the susceptible shelter to go indoors.

Wind Hazards Details

Gusts 40-70mph NW Highlands/east plains; damaging potential power outages downed lines.

Blowing snow reduces vis <1mi mountain passes; hazardous N/S roads crosswinds.

Fire spread threat plains low humidity; no burns outdoors.

Snow & Hail Impacts

2-6in Tusas/Santa Fe metro snow squalls afternoon; hail 1in lower elevations rain mix.

Slick I-40/25 black ice overnight; chains required passes.

Travel delays flights Albuquerque Sunport.

Respiratory Precautions

Blowing dust PM2.5 spikes; asthmatics N95 masks indoors HEPA filters.

Stay hydrated humidifiers; vulnerable ERs if wheezing. AirNow.gov quality index.

Safety Measures

Secure outdoor items; generators CO safe. Emergency kits 72hr supplies.

Official Social Update

FAQs

Affected NW areas exactly?
NW Highlands, Tusas/Santa Fe Mountains, Gallup-Farmington; east plains blowing dust. I-40/25 corridors worst travel.

Respiratory risks why high?
Blowing dust PM2.5 irritates lungs; winds kick soil allergens asthma/COPD flares. Heart patients extra caution.

School road closures expected?
Likely rural NW districts remote; check NM511 app live cams. Chains mandatory passes post-snow.

Duration storm system?
Peaks Fri afternoon-evening; tapers Sat high pressure clears. Cold lingers weekend single digits mornings.

Fire danger despite snow?
Yes east plains low humidity winds; red flag warnings no outdoor burns BBQs grills prohibited.