High Wind — Central Tularosa Basin, New Mexico

2019-03-08 · Central Tularosa Basin, New Mexico

Event narrative

A peak gust of 64 mph was reported 16 miles north-northwest of Northrup Strip. Other gusts included 63 mph 22 miles northwest of Tularosa, 61 mph 11 miles southwest of Northrup Strip and 60 mph at Northrup Strip.

Wider weather episode

A strong upper trough was moving through the Great Basin with deep surface low over eastern Colorado. This system was accompanied by an upper level jet of over 120 knots. Wind gusts over hurricane strength were reported in the Organ mountains with close to 65 mph gusts over many other locations. Some areas of blowing dust reduced visibility to under a mile at times in Luna and Dona Ana counties.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 813334. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.