Ice & Snow

Winter Storm Anya: Response and Support for Las Vegas, NM

From November 6th to 9th, 2024, the City of Las Vegas, NM, faced a significant winter storm—Winter Storm Anya—which brought over 35 inches of snowfall, strong winds, and dangerously low temperatures.


This storm created considerable challenges across the city, including hazardous road conditions, transportation disruptions, and the potential for flooding due to rapid snowmelt. The Sulzer Group proudly partnered with city teams and agencies to provide strategic and operational support throughout the storm, focusing on safety, resilience, and recovery.



Incident Overview and Initial Response

Emergency Operations Center Activation: The City activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at the San Miguel County Courthouse to centralize and coordinate all storm-related efforts. The Sulzer Group assisted in establishing communication protocols, resource allocation, and response strategy implementation to ensure an efficient and unified response.

Ice and Snow

Snow Removal Operations: With snowfall totals exceeding 35 inches in some areas, snow removal was a top priority. Our team worked alongside Public Works crews and contractors to clear main roads and ensure access to critical infrastructure. Despite heavy accumulations, essential routes were restored quickly, allowing emergency services to reach those in need.



Ice and snow removal

Community Safety and Public Information

Warming Center Establishment: Given the extreme cold, three locations were designated as potential warming centers, with one officially opened to provide shelter and support to residents. The Sulzer Group supported these centers by facilitating their setup and ensuring that they were accessible to the community.

Continuous Public Communication: Throughout the storm, regular public service announcements (PSAs) were disseminated via the city’s website, social media, and local media outlets. The Sulzer Group contributed to clear and timely communication, keeping the public informed about road conditions, warming centers, and safety measures.



Coordination and Resource Management

Interagency Coordination: The Sulzer Group played a critical role in fostering collaboration among city, county, and state agencies to ensure a comprehensive response. This interagency coordination helped maximize resource utilization and streamline the deployment of personnel and equipment where they were needed most.

Resource Management: Our team assisted in efficiently allocating resources, including personnel, equipment, and supplies, ensuring that operations remained flexible and responsive to evolving storm conditions. We closely monitored the city’s infrastructure, such as the wastewater treatment facility, to address potential risks related to snowmelt and flooding.



Key Outcomes and Successes

No Fatalities or Major Injuries: Thanks to proactive response measures and clear communication, the city reported no fatalities or major injuries related to the storm.

Effective Snow Clearing: Despite historic snowfall, road-clearing operations were successful, restoring access to essential services and minimizing transportation disruptions.

Community Engagement and Preparedness: Community cooperation with safety advisories played a vital role in minimizing risks and ensuring a smooth recovery.



Winter storm from above

Lessons Learned and Areas for Improvement

Improving Warming Center Awareness: While the warming center was available, lower-than-expected utilization suggests there may be room to increase public awareness and accessibility for these resources in future events.

Enhanced Support for Vulnerable Populations: Further outreach and support to vulnerable populations could be beneficial in emergencies, ensuring that all community members receive timely and effective assistance.

Post-Incident Recovery Processes: Transitioning to recovery operations and delivering support to impacted residents and businesses can be streamlined to better meet post-incident needs.



Winter Storm Anya highlighted the resilience of the Las Vegas community and demonstrated the value of a coordinated, proactive response in the face of extreme weather. The Sulzer Group is proud to have been part of this effort, reinforcing our commitment to supporting municipalities through effective disaster response and recovery operations.