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SANTA FE -- The New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) announced a Level 3 Activation of the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The activation was triggered by weather advisories. Under activation, the EOC will conduct ongoing situation analysis, alert and notification, and resource coordination.
Communication with local emergency managers, first responders, and relevant state agencies began ahead of the storm and will continue throughout the storm.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT), New Mexico State Police (NMSP), and DHSEM are reminding citizens to take necessary precautions to stay safe during the winter storm. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning in the Central and Northeast parts of the state.
"The EOC activation will help ensure that the state is able to coordinate the movement of resources if needed and respond to events swiftly," DHSEM Secretary Mike Duvall said. "It is important that New Mexicans use extreme caution and avoid unnecessary travel."
During winter storm conditions, citizens should have essential supplies ready to stay safe at home, at work, and in their vehicles. Road conditions are significantly impacted, requiring motorists to drive with extra caution, allow additional time to travel and provide ample space for first responders and snowplows. Extreme weather was expected for most of Monday with the most severe conditions occurring in the northeast region of New Mexico.
"Motorists should remember to drive with extreme caution, reduce speed, and delay travel if possible," said State Transportation Secretary Alvin Dominguez. "Department of Transportation crews are currently working to improve road conditions and will do everything they can to keep the traveling public safe."
"The current winter conditions are creating a dangerous situation for much New Mexico's roads," said Chief Robert Shilling with the NMSP. "To stay safe, citizens should prepare ahead of time and have adequate supplies, including food, water, blankets, flashlights and a full tank of gas."
DHSEM is working with NMDOT, and NMSP to actively monitor winter weather situations to disseminate ongoing weather updates. If the situation warrants, all state departments are ready to respond as necessary.
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