MORA COUNTY, N.M. — Mora County is under a state of emergency after getting more than 20 inches of snow, leaving many residents stranded.

County Manager Joe Garcia said the sheriff’s department responded to a call from a stranded resident but despite their efforts, the call ended in a death investigation.

Most of the main roads and highways are clear but the majority of the county’s 5,000 live along narrow, rural roads that are still covered in snow.

“I did not expect this storm to jump as much as it did on us,” said Rhonda Trambley, a Mora resident. “I was pretty shocked by how much we got – 22 inches where I’m at.”

Many residents are also in the dark.

“We hardly ever get that much snow here,” Trambley told KOB 4. “But like yesterday, we were without power from about 8:30 in the morning till about 3:15 in the afternoon. There’s still I think some people I believe who are without power at this moment, still people are trying to get their power back on.

County officials are offering emergency help. Residents can call Garcia at 505-652-8218 to get their driveway clear. The service is only available for people with an emergency who need to get out.

For emergency help, you can also contact Sheriff Americk Padilla at 505-652-9170.

Garcia said you can also reach out to:

• Chairman George Trujillo at 575-779-5661
• Vice Chairman Johnny Trujillo at 505-231-4233

This is a developing story. Stay with KOB.com and KOB 4 Eyewitness News for updates.