A severe and early winter storm has struck most of New Mexico, closing schools and shutting down major highways across the state.
Motorists sought emergency shelter overnight as state officials closed both directions of Interstate 40 from Albuquerque to Gallup -- part of the historic Route 66 -- after blowing snow caused near-zero visibility.
Authorities also shut down Interstate 10 in the southern part of the state, from the Texas line to the Arizona border, because of heavy snow and icy road conditions.
The storm was the third to hit the state recently and spread heavy snow throughout northern and southern New Mexico. It forced school districts to close or end classes early Monday.
Southern New Mexico also got hit, this is a region usually spared the worst of winter blasts. Crews worked to clear snow and salted icy roadways in the region, especially around Lordsburg, Silver City, Socorro, Magdalena and Truth or Consequences. More than 700 employees and 500 pieces of equipment will be available to keep state routes clear.
El Paso, TX also got hit on Monday, shutting down roads and highways out of El Paso as the cold system moved south, bringing freezing temperatures and causing havoc to the region. 3-5 inches of snow are in the forecast.