Thunderstorm Wind in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico

Observer was unable to stand up because the winds were so strong.

An upper level low passing to the north of New Mexico steered a polar jet overhead. The right entrance region of the jet crossed south central to east central areas increasing dynamic forcing and the threat for severe weather as abundant moisture as well as instability were also present. By early afternoon a long line of showers and thunderstorms had developed across the northern mountains with another line extending from Raton down the eastern plains to Carrizozo. Many of these embedded storms became severe with large hail, high wind, and even a tornado reported. The activity continued into the late night hours across Quay and Roosevelt counties before exiting east into Texas right around midnight.