New Mexico Storm Prompts Emergency Declaration

In response to a powerful early winter storm that left tens of thousands without power across New Mexico, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has declared an emergency, unlocking $1.5 million in state funding for emergency response. Crews from Public Service Co. of New Mexico are working to restore power to affected areas, having reduced the number of outages from 50,000 to 19,000. The storm has brought heavy snow and fierce winds, causing tree branches to fall on power lines and making roads unsafe for travel. The New Mexico National Guard is assisting in clearing roads, with schools closed and travel advisories issued across the northern part of the state. Additional snowfall is expected, with blizzard warnings in effect and hundreds of vehicles stranded on highways. Gov. Lujan Grisham praised the efforts of responders working to ensure public safety during this unprecedented storm.