High Wind — Johnson and Bartlett Mesas Including Raton Pass, New Mexico

2021-12-26 · Johnson and Bartlett Mesas Including Raton Pass, New Mexico

Event narrative

A trained spotter near Capulin estimated 70 mph wind gusts.

Wider weather episode

Another storm system moving inland off the coast of California steered a strong upper-level jet across New Mexico on December 26, 2021. Meanwhile, a lee-side surface low developed across northeastern New Mexico. This set-up provided the necessary ingredients for surface winds to strengthen across much of northern and central New Mexico. Wind gusts in excess of 60 mph were common, especially along the central mountain chain and across the eastern plains. The highest wind gusts with this event were measured near Ruidoso where an AWOS station measured a peak sustained wind speed of 62 mph and a peak wind gust of 83 mph. Despite the very strong winds, very few damage reports were received. A few tree limbs were broken near South San Ysidro, and winds were also responsible for a power outage in communities near Corona. Key Impacts: downed tree limbs, power outages.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 991122. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.