Snowstorm causes problems on NM roads

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - A major stretch of I-25 is shut down and so is a major stretch of I-40.

It's closed from Louisiana Boulevard in Albuquerque all the way to Amarillo, Texas.

In Albuquerque, they are not letting drivers onto the interstate from Louisiana all the way into Texas.

Heading west of the metro on I-40, you're in for a real mess.

Grants got more than a foot of fresh snow Monday.

According to NM Roads, it's dicey driving on all major highways from grants to the Arizona state line, with blowing snow and icy roads.

More than 100 miles of I-25 is shut down Monday after the winter storm sent drivers off the roads and into each other.

A handful of National guardsmen and state police officers are helping drivers who got stuck in between Clayton and Springer here in the northeast.

Some of those drivers disobeyed road blocks and tried to drive on the roads that are just impossible.

State officials couldn’t say the exact number of how many people needed help.

Guardsmen are taking the wayward drivers to their armory in Springer which as been set up as a temporary shelter.

The biggest problem for drivers Monday has been not just the snow, but the wind.

It has made visibility so bad, drivers ended up crashing into each other in I-25.

After more than a few accidents state police made the call to close the interstate.

Right now it is shut down from Santa Fe to the Colorado state line.

Hotels in Las Vegas got busy fast as people needed a place to stay.

I-25 is open southbound only from Las Vegas to Albuquerque.

State police are stopping northbound drivers at Santa Fe not because of the weather, but because hotel in Las Vegas are running out of room for drivers with no where to do go.

Santa Fe is now the end of the line for northbound travelers, the freeway north is closed there.

The snow started coming down heavy at sunset, but then stopped. Many travelers are spending the night here because of that freeway closure.

About half a dozen hotels say there should be no shortage of rooms.

Tourist and business owners say the snow is great in Santa Fe, putting everyone in the holiday and shopping spirit.

It's not just to the north and east that got slammed with snow.

The metro was hit hard too.
Believe it or not, the Albuquerque metro area saw whiteout driving conditions too.

Now, even though not a whole lot of snow has stuck to the roads, city officials say it doesn't mean it's not as dangerous out here.