Winter storm blizzard warning in Clovis

PORTALES, N.M. (KRQE) - The latest winter storm has made things a mess across the state, from the metro area to parts of eastern New Mexico.

The National Weather Service has declared a blizzard warning for the Clovis area, with high winds and snow creating very dangerous conditions for travelers.

The Clovis area is under a blizzard warning until 6 p.m. due to high winds and potential white out conditions. South of Clovis in Portales, residents woke up to roughly four inches, and some slick roads.

"If you don't need to be out, don't, theres no reason for it even to risk it," explained Lieutenant Shawn Gore, of the Roosevelt County Sheriff's Office. "If you do have to travel, just make sure you're prepared, leave a little early. Just because the road looks clear, it may not be, there is black ice in New Mexico and it's pretty prevalent."

Officials in east New Mexico are warning drivers of icy patches and strong wind gusts.

Monday morning, roadways were icy as far as south of Portales near Elida.

In downtown Portales, much of the snow began to melt on the roadways by Monday afternoon, but as drivers continue toward Clovis on U.S. 70, driving conditions became much more dangerous.

Clovis officials said they got about eight inches of snowfall, and twice that amount from wind creating snow drifts in some areas. By Monday afternoon, Clovis Police received at least 28 weather-related calls from vehicles sliding off the roadways in town.  

Corry Gramzow made the drive to Clovis early Monday morning to shovel snow.

"I'm just guessing, I bet there was 10 or 12 cars in the ditch along the way," Gramzow said.

For Gramzow and his sons, snow means more work.

"If this happens, if snow happens in the wintertime, then we get a couple extra bucks," Gramzow said.

"I'm not really happy I had to wake up and shovel snow, but we needed it," said Andrew, Gramzow's son.

People in the Portales area said they don't often get snow like this late in the season. Although it's caused some trouble for travelers, some people are embracing the winter weather.

"I loved it, yes we had plans today but you know what, this is really great, this is our first real good snow this year," said Elizabeth Mathis, Portales Resident.

"Its been so dry, and we need all the moisture we can get," added her husband, Timothy Mathis.

Many residents in the area said they wouldn't mind seeing more snow. Clovis Police said they're concerned about all the melted snow freezing overnight and creating more of a danger for drivers Tuesday.

City workers are out salting and cindering roadways and major intersections.