The weather is blamed for a pileup on I-40 Friday afternoon

State police are closing Interstate 40 eastbound from Moriarty to Amarillo, Texas, due to hazardous driving conditions along the Texas-New Mexico state line.

The region is under a winter storm warning. The National Weather Service says a powerful storm continues to move across New Mexico's eastern plains.

Forecasters say north to northwest winds will combine Friday night with light to moderate snow to produce areas of blowing and drifting snow, making for poor visibility.

The area is expecting snowdrifts of up to 20 feet before the storm passes by Saturday afternoon.

Stranded drivers were being forced to stay in shelters in Tucumcari and Santa Rosa Friday night. Because hotels and motels were filling up fast, police encouraged those heading east to stay in Albuquerque Friday night.

State police officers said they have responded to more than 30 weather-related accidents Friday night.

Forecasters also say the northeastern part of the state could see another inch to three inches of snow Friday and that roads in the region will likely be snow covered and slippery.

Drivers can call the state's road condition hotline at 511 for more information on road closures. You can also check the following link for live maps and warnings:

Road Conditions