Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

Storm drops snow on area

Courtesy photo: Gilrobert Rennels Muleshoe received 3 inches of snow Sunday, delaying school buses Monday by two hours. A few minor vehicle accidents asssociated with the snow were report.

A winter snow storm swept through the area Sunday, dropping 1/2 inch of snow, sleet and ice on Clovis and Portales, according to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque.

Muleshoe received 3 inches of snow, delaying school buses Monday by two hours. City officials from Clovis and Muleshoe said the snow caused a few minor accidents.

The storm system moved east from southern California and collided with a cold air mass over New Mexico, causing widespread snow and ice that dumped up to 12 inches of snow on New Mexico’s ski areas, according to meteorologist Brian Guyer.

While the snow is welcome precipitation for drought-stricken winter wheat crops, Roosevelt County Extension agent Patrick Kircher said Monday’s warm temperatures and strong winds evaporated the moisture before it could do much good.

“We really need rain that’s measured in inches in the next 30 to 40 days,” Kircher said. “Small amounts of precipitation just prolong the agony.”