Last week, New Mexico residents experienced an intense stretch of weather, as powerful winds swept across the state, leaving behind a trail of damage, dust, and disrupted plans. From toppled trees to closed highways, the early March wind event was a reminder of how wild spring can be in the Land of Enchantment.
A Week of High Wind Warnings
The National Weather Service issued multiple High Wind Warnings throughout the week, especially for central and eastern New Mexico, where gusts frequently topped 60 to 70 mph. In some areas—particularly along the east slopes of the central mountain chain—winds exceeded 75 mph, strong enough to overturn semi-trucks and rip shingles from rooftops.
Albuquerque saw sustained winds of 30-40 mph, with gusts near 60 mph on multiple days, prompting delays at the airport and causing issues on the roads, especially for high-profile vehicles. Santa Fe and surrounding areas weren’t spared either, as swirling dust reduced visibility. The Santa Fe aiport reported a wind gust of 52 mph early on Friday, March 14.
Dust Storms and Dangerous Driving
One of the more dangerous impacts of the wind was the rise in dust storms, especially in the southern and eastern plains. Communities like Clovis, Roswell, and Hobbs experienced zero-visibility conditions at times, triggering road closures and traffic accidents. Interstate 10 near Lordsburg and I-40 near Tucumcari were both impacted by blowing dust, reminding drivers just how quickly things can turn dangerous when the wind gets involved.
Damage Reports and Power Outages
In addition to transportation woes, the winds downed trees, snapped power lines, and damaged signs and fences across the state. Utility companies reported scattered power outages, particularly in more rural areas where infrastructure is more vulnerable. Emergency services were busy responding to downed lines and calls about flying debris, especially during peak gust periods.
Why So Windy?
Early spring is typically a windy season in New Mexico, but this recent event was fueled by a particularly strong pressure gradient between a low-pressure system moving through the Rockies and high pressure over Texas. This setup created a perfect corridor for high winds to funnel through the state, especially along mountain passes and open plains.
As the jet stream begins to shift northward in March, these kinds of wind events become more common. But the intensity of this week’s winds—even by New Mexico standards—was exceptional.
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