Northern New Mexico is expected to get hit by a strong spring storm system early this week, resulting in high wind and significant snow in the mountains as well as cold temperatures.
The National Weather Service says the system will reach New Mexico on Tuesday but be preceded by high winds late on Monday and colder temperatures overnight.
Strong potentially damaging winds with gusts exceeding 60 mph area are likely, possibly reaching as far south as Ruidoso.
Fire conditions are considered dangerous.
Widespread sub-freezing temperatures are expected to follow in the wake of the system Tuesday night.
Up to 12 inches of snow could accumulate in the northern mountains.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.