High Wind — Albuquerque Metro Area, New Mexico

2018-04-19 · Albuquerque Metro Area, New Mexico

Event narrative

A weather station in Albuquerque Acres reported sustained winds between 40 mph and 44 mph. Power outages were reported across the east side of the city with a couple traffic lights out during the following mornings commute. Utility companies did not verify whether this was related to the strong winds.

Wider weather episode

An unseasonably strong upper level low pressure system west of New Mexico spread strong south to southeast flow across the state on April 19th and 20th. Widespread southerly winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph were reported across central and western New Mexico on the 19th. The strongest winds developed around the Santa Fe and Albuquerque metro areas after sunset when southeasterly winds increased to between 35 and 45 mph with gusts between 55 and 65 mph. Power lines were blown down in the Santa Fe resulting in numerous power outages. The east side of the Albuquerque area also saw power outages and traffic lights out through the night of the 19th. The storm system shifted east through the 20th and spread the stronger winds into eastern New Mexico where many areas saw southwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts near 55 mph. The first significant line of showers and thunderstorms of the spring season developed over the far eastern plains and spread heavy rainfall, small hail, and gusty winds over the area. Many folks in Union, Harding, Quay, Curry, and Roosevelt counties saw their heaviest rainfall in over six months.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 741159. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.