A potent upper level storm system over the eastern Pacific moved slowly east into southern California on March 2, 2019 then across Arizona and New Mexico through March 4, 2019. West to southwest winds increased over central and western New Mexico on the 2nd with widespread wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph. The strongest winds impacted the area around Clines Corners where a brief virga shower and wind gust up to 59 mph was reported. Abundant moisture associated with this system brought rain and high terrain snow to northern and western New Mexico by the late afternoon of March 2nd. Meanwhile, an arctic front shifted southwest into eastern New Mexico during the morning of March 3rd with widespread areas of freezing drizzle and dense freezing fog. Some light snow also fell across the northeast plains from near Raton to Clayton. The arctic front then continued progressing south and west through March 4th until the entire eastern plains were socked in with dense freezing fog and freezing drizzle. Numerous roads were closed from Roswell to Vaughn and Ruidoso due to extremely hazardous travel with black ice. Rain and high terrain snow continued over northern New Mexico through March 4th. Total snowfall accumulations ranged from 6 to 13 inches across many high terrain areas above 8,500 feet.

High Wind in CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 02-MAR-19 17:13:00 to 02-MAR-19 17:15:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

A brief virga shower enhanced peak wind gusts up to 59 mph.

Winter Weather in CHAVES COUNTY PLAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 04-MAR-19 00:00:00 to 04-MAR-19 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Light freezing drizzle and dense freezing fog across Chaves County resulted in extremely hazardous travel conditions. U.S. Highway 285 was closed from Roswell to Vaughn and U.S. Highway 70 was closed west of Roswell for several hours. At least one semi trailer jack-knifed in the Roswell area.

Winter Weather in GUADALUPE COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 04-MAR-19 00:00:00 to 04-MAR-19 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Light freezing drizzle and dense freezing fog resulted in extremely hazardous travel conditions. U.S. Highway 285 was closed for several hours between Roswell and Vaughn.

Winter Weather in DE BACA COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 04-MAR-19 00:00:00 to 04-MAR-19 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Light freezing drizzle and dense freezing fog resulted in extremely hazardous travel conditions. U.S. Highway 285 was closed for several hours in the section of De Baca County between Roswell and Vaughn.

Heavy Snow in SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 02-MAR-19 14:00:00 to 04-MAR-19 10:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Various sources in the higher terrain of eastern Rio Arriba County reported between 6 and 13 inches of snowfall. Difficult to severe travel conditions were reported.

Winter Weather in EASTERN LINCOLN COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 04-MAR-19 06:00:00 to 04-MAR-19 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Light freezing drizzle and dense freezing fog across eastern Lincoln County resulted in extremely hazardous travel conditions. U.S. Highway 70 was closed for several hours.

Winter Weather in SOUTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 04-MAR-19 08:00:00 to 04-MAR-19 13:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Light freezing drizzle and dense freezing fog around the Ruidoso area resulted in extremely hazardous travel conditions. U.S. Highway 70 was closed for several hours. Other highways around the area also experienced severe travel conditions.