High Wind — Albuquerque Metro Area, New Mexico

2011-12-01 to 2011-12-02 · Albuquerque Metro Area, New Mexico

Event narrative

Sustained winds between 40 and 55 mph and gusts between 60 and 90 mph were common across the Albuquerque Metro Area with numerous reports of roof damage, downed power lines, evaporative coolers blown off roofs, tree limbs snapped and trees toppled over. Over 2500 damage claims have been filed in and around the Albuquerque Metro area with damage in the millions. The winds also took on the University of New Mexico football practice facility, with damage noted to the south walls and roof. Also, the Valencia High School roof in Los Lunas was partially damaged from high winds. This damage alone cost an estimated $15,000.

Wider weather episode

A powerful cold front plunged south and west across the eastern plains of New Mexico on the 1st and spilled over the top of the Central Mountains into the Rio Grande Valley. Wind gusts between 60 and 90 mph caused widespread damage to roofs and power lines around Albuquerque, Socorro and even Grants.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 350198. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.