High Wind in East Slopes of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains, New Mexico

The COOP observer in Gascon reported many trees were toppled in the forest from high winds. Tin roofing was completely blown off of two sheds and partially blown off their barn. The cost of damage is estimated.

A potent upper level storm system sliding east through the southern Rockies spread widespread strong to damaging winds across New Mexico on April 17th. Southwest winds increased quickly during the mid morning hours over western New Mexico before spreading eastward into the Rio Grande Valley and eastern plains. Peak wind gusts averaged 60 to 70 mph across the area. A large tree was blown over at an apartment complex near the Cottonwood Mall in Albuquerque. High winds blew down a power line near the Gallup airport. Wind gusts near 80 mph around Las Vegas caused part of the roof of a nearby church to blow off. Widespread blowing dust was also reported across the area.