Officials urge New Mexicans to prepare for winter storm ‘Helena’
J.R. Florez shovels a sidewalk in Arroyo Seco in 2015.
A winter storm moving into northern and central New Mexico over the next two days has caught the attention of state officials.
New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez has activated the New Mexico emergency operations center (EOC) in preparation for winter storm “Helena.”
“In a state as large and diverse as ours, intense weather can have a tremendous impact on communities large and small throughout New Mexico,” Martinez said in a statement. “I’ve activated our [EOC] to coordinate with state agencies, local communities, and other partners to work together to prepare for and respond to the storm throughout the state to protect the health and safety of New Mexicans.”
The coordination is led by the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management through the EOC. It includes the Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, New Mexico State Police and other state, local and community partners.
The storm is expected to bring winds, cold temps and as much as eight inches of snow to the Taos area.
Officials have offered advice for residents to safely weather the storm.
“To be best prepared for winter storm conditions, New Mexicans should have essential supplies ready to stay safe at home, work, or on the road. These can include items such as food, water, first aid kits, blankets, flashlights, jumper cables and spare tires. Motorists should also make sure vehicles are in good repair before driving in winter conditions. Dangerous driving conditions are possible throughout the state due to the upcoming storm,” a statement said.
The Department of Transportation has 116 graders, 258 front-end loaders, 11 snow blower trucks and 556 dump trucks with plows and salt spreaders ready to be deployed, said officials.
“NMDOT has crews working around the clock to clear roads and keep New Mexicans updated on highway conditions,” a statement said.
For more information on emergency preparedness for individuals and families, click here. Motorists can check nmroads.com or download the NMRoads app for updates on road conditions and closures. NMRoads is updated constantly and linked to the 511 road condition hotline.
