High Wind — Union County, New Mexico

2025-01-09 · Union County, New Mexico

Event narrative

High wind gusts of up to 64 mph were observed at a mesonet station southwest of Clayton. These high winds resulted in near ground blizzard conditions and the resultant closure of U.S. 56 from Springer to Clayton and U.S. 64/87 from Des Moines to Clayton.

Wider weather episode

An upper level disturbance over the northern and central Rockies combined with an upper level low over northern Mexico forming a new upper low over New Mexico during the morning hours of January 9th. Pacific and Gulf of Mexico moisture moved into and clashed with the modified arctic airmass in place over the state. This resulted in an area of moderate to heavy area of snow across southern and eastern NM, mainly along and south of Interstate 40 during the day. Several highways in the area, including Interstate 40 near the Texas border and U.S. 285 and 60, were shut down due to snowfall amounts of 5 to 10 inches causing slick and severe driving conditions. Meanwhile, a reinforcing backdoor front moved into northeast NM with strong north winds and light snow in its wake across far northeast NM. Wind gusts of up to 69 mph were observed in the area resulting in blowing snow and near blizzard conditions. This resulted in the closure of U.S. 64/87 and 56. Snow gradually exited into Texas during the evening hours and north winds across northeast NM gradually tapered off before midnight.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1222440. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.