Rural areas may also become isolated without access to food, supplies or medical help. The combination of strong winds and even light amounts of falling snow can greatly restrict vision and visibility. This can make driving extremely hazardous or even impossible. Although they are infrequent over southern New Mexico and western Texas, there have been instances of ice storms or freezing rain over the region. During these events, heavy accumulations of ice will cause power lines to collapse, resulting in the loss of electricity and telephone service.
Roads become extremely slippery causing very dangerous driving conditions.
Prolonged exposure to the cold will result in frostbite, hypothermia and possibly death.