High Wind — South Central Highlands, New Mexico

2023-03-30 · South Central Highlands, New Mexico

Event narrative

The Little Burro White Sands Missile Range station reported a peak wind gust of 67 mph.

Wider weather episode

A strong upper level storm system crossing the western U.S. brought a strong portion of the jetstream over NM March 30, 2023. Aided by a deep surface low pressure system over eastern CO, strong winds aloft reached the surface throughout the day. These winds did not entirely die off overnight and turned westerly and then northwesterly on March 31, 2023. Wind speeds restrengthened to high wind speeds again on March 31st focused mostly through east-central and northeastern NM before finally tapering off through the afternoon. Peak wind gusts generally ranged from 60 to 70 mph with a top speed of 86 mph being observed at the Magdalena Ridge Observatory. Wind damage was also reported along I-25 at Tijeras and in Estancia on March 30th. Reduced visibility from isolated blowing dust along I-25 was also reported at Wagon Mound and observed on satellite near Springer.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1079597. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.