Blowing snow and icy conditions are making for a tough Christmas drive in eastern New Mexico's plains.
The state Transportation Department says Interstate 40 has severe driving conditions caused by snow, ice and low visibility just west of the Texas state line. Interstate 25 in the mountains east of Santa Fe also has tough driving conditions and most highways in the northern and eastern plains have difficult driving conditions.
The National Weather Service says it is downright nasty across the northeast and east central plains as a front moves through the area, bringing big temperature drops, strong winds, snow and blowing snow. The state's northern mountains will see lingering snow showers but the rest of the state should mainly be clear.
The storm should taper off as the day progresses.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.