High Wind — Albuquerque Metro Area, New Mexico

2018-12-12 · Albuquerque Metro Area, New Mexico

Event narrative

Double Eagle Airport reported a peak wind gust to 58 mph.

Wider weather episode

An upper level low pressure system moving south from Colorado intensified quickly over New Mexico on the evening of December 12th. A potent cold front in association with the upper level storm system moved rapidly southeast through central and western New Mexico shortly after sunset. Rain and snow showers along the cold front enhanced stronger wind gusts and many locations reported peak gusts between 45 and 55 mph. The back door portion of the cold front then surged south through eastern New Mexico during the early morning hours of the 13th and produced widespread wind gusts between 60 and 70 mph. Damage was reported in a couple areas of Quay and Curry counties. Light snowfall also occurred with this system as it intensified along the east slopes of the central mountain chain. Snowfall amounts ranged from two to six inches along the central high terrain and high plains of eastern New Mexico. Snow, blowing snow, reduced visibility, and icy travel conditions were reported during the morning commute. Interstate 25 at Raton Pass and U.S. 64 between Raton and Clayton were closed due to extremely icy travel with strong winds. Interstate 40 was also closed at Sedillo Hill for a brief period early in the morning due to a jack-knifed trailer and very slick travel.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 789926. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.