High Wind — Southern Desert, New Mexico

2008-12-23 · Southern Desert, New Mexico

Event narrative

Wind gusts of 60 to 67 mph were measured at White Sands Missle Range Headquarters. A gust of 97 mph was measured near San Augustine Pass. Windows were blown out of vehicles at the WSMR main post.

Wider weather episode

A strong upper level trough moved eastward across the desert southwest and induced a deep surface low in the Texas panhandle. A tight surface gradient and the mixing down of strong winds aloft resulted in high winds at the surface.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 148308. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.