Thunderstorm Wind — Valencia, New Mexico

2021-04-23 · near Los Lunas, Valencia, New Mexico

Event narrative

A dry microburst with estimated wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph downed a large cottonwood tree near Katherine Gallegos Elementary School. No injuries were reported. Damages are estimated for the downed tree.

Wider weather episode

A weak system crossing the southern Rockies on April 23, 2021 generated rain and mountain snow showers as well as a few thunderstorms across portions of New Mexico. However, a lack of substantial moisture, most notably in the low-levels, associated with this system resulted in more dry showers and thunderstorms rather than wetting precipitation. The virga and downburst winds associated with this activity resulted in strong winds in excess of 58 mph at several locations. In Los Lunas, estimated wind speeds of 50 to 60 mph downed a large cottonwood tree.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (34.8202, -106.7525)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 956677. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.