Winter Weather — Westcentral Mountains, New Mexico

2009-03-26 · Westcentral Mountains, New Mexico

Event narrative

A Gallup woman, Denise Caleb, was killed in her SUV on Interstate 40 due to icy roads and windy conditions. Her vehicle was heading east on I-40 near Gallup when she lost control and crossed the median and went into oncoming traffic. Her SUV was struck by a tractor-trailer.

Wider weather episode

A storm from the Pacific Northwest slowly advanced toward New Mexico on the 25th, reached the Four Corners Region late on the 26th and inched across the state on the 27th. A strong cold front also backed down the eastern plains with strong and gusty winds. Moderate to heavy snow was reported over much of the northern half of the state, with blowing and

drifting snow and poor visibilities over the east.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 153270. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.