New Mexico drivers face icy conditions on the road

As night fell and temperatures began to drop, white snow turned into black ice on the roads Saturday evening.

Slippery and icy streets were to blame for multiple crashes in Las Cruces, Sgt. Roberto Gutierrez, a spokesman for Las Cruces Police said in a statement. He said drivers were getting stranded on highways.

“The Las Cruces Police Department would like to ask everyone to stay indoors and avoid driving until the roads are in a better condition. Please be responsible and enjoy our winter time weather,” wrote Gutierrez.

New Mexico State Police shut down the Anthony Gap, NM 404, around 7 p.m. because of treacherous conditions. (Update: Anthony Gap was reopened shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday morning)

West of Las Cruces, the highway was also wet and slippery.

Around 8:30 p.m., ABC-7 and Good Morning El Paso anchor Hillary Floren posted this message on the station’s Facebook page:

“Just drove from Deming to El Paso on I-10 – passed about 8 accidents and went about 35 mph during the most treacherous parts…just FYI for anyone driving! The roads are open but obviously stay home if you can! I also passed snow plows, but they were clearing roads in the other direction. Be safe!”

Bridges & overpasses are likely to freeze over as temperatures drop, warned officials with New Mexico’s Department of Transportation.

“NMDOT crews are plowing, salting and cindering. Motorists are encouraged to slow down and watch for plows, emergency vehicles, and stranded vehicles along the roadway,” read an email alert.

Stay with ABC-7 for updates on this winter storm by logging onto kvia.com or following updates on Facebook.com/kvia.com.