High Wind Warning Issued for Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Central New Mexico Highlands

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a High Wind Warning for the east slopes of the Central Mountain Chain and adjacent highlands. The warning is currently in effect and remains active until 5:00 AM MST on Thursday, February 19.

Affected Areas

The warning covers a broad region of New Mexico, including:

• Glorieta Mesa and Glorieta Pass
• Northern, Southern, and East Slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
• Central Highlands and South Central Mountains
• Johnson and Bartlett Mesas, including Raton Pass
• Far Northeast and Northeast Highlands
• Guadalupe County
• Eastern Lincoln County
• Southwest Chaves County

What You Should Do

Residents are advised to take immediate action to secure loose or lightweight outdoor objects, such as trash cans and lawn furniture, which could become projectiles in high winds. Motorists, particularly those operating high-profile vehicles, should expect dangerous driving conditions and exercise extreme caution.

Expected Conditions

The region is facing sustained west winds of 30 to 40 mph, with powerful gusts reaching up to 60 mph. These damaging winds are capable of blowing down trees and power lines, and power outages are possible.

In the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, additional hazards include several inches of snow. Periods of snow combined with high winds will create blowing snow conditions, reducing visibility to below a half mile at times. Snow drifts are expected to reach depths of over 6 inches in certain locations.

Timeline

The High Wind Warning is effective immediately and is scheduled to expire at 5:00 AM MST on Thursday, February 19.