High Wind — San Juan Mountains, New Mexico

2019-05-23 · San Juan Mountains, New Mexico

Event narrative

Peak wind gusts up to 58 mph were reported around Chama.

Wider weather episode

An upper level low pressure system passing through the central Rockies set up a strong surface pressure gradient across New Mexico on May 23, 2019. Southerly winds increased during the early morning hours within the Rio Grande Valley and nearby higher terrain with gusts near 50 mph shortly after sunrise. Strong winds spread into the eastern plains through the late morning. The strongest winds impacted the area from near Clines Corners to Santa Fe and Taos where peak wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph were reported. Blowing dust was observed within the Rio Grande Valley.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 814946. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.