Winter storms turns violent in one town

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Much of New Mexico got at least a taste of the winter storm blasting through the state that brought not just snow but rain and destructive winds.

The East Mountains got a couple inches of snow on Saturday, and viewers also sent in photos of snowfall in Gallup and Durango, Colo.

And Questa also got a nice amount of snow near the mountains blanketing the trees and ground.

But it was no Christmas-card scene in Carrizozo where tornado-like winds raged through the town about 6 p.m. Friday knocking town trees and ripping off much of the metal roof of the Carrizozo Market.

The National Weather Service called it a micro-burst, which is basically a quick spurt of very high winds.

Winds with a microburst can exceed 100 mph, but the weather service said they may not have been that strong in this case.

Emergency managers said they're thankful no injuries were reported in that storm.

Power lines were down in some parts for roughly five hours last night.

The New Mexico Department of Transportation officials late Saturday reported Interstate 25 from Raton to Raton Pass was especially difficult because of snow on the road.

DOT maintenance patrols are out plowing and salting the interstate.