A quick-moving disturbance and associated jet streak aloft tracked southeastward toward New Mexico along the northern border. This resulted in strengthening westerly winds aloft as the day progressed. Winds aloft were 50-60 knots at 500mb with even stronger winds at mountain-top levels.  Wind speeds strengthened further overnight as the base of the trough passed to the north. In addition to the upper level wave, lee side troughing at the surface intensified over southeast Colorado during the evening extending into eastern New Mexico. Winds were initially focused across the northeast and higher terrain areas but shifted to areas along and immediately east of the central mountain chain into Tuesday morning. Many areas across the east experienced severely reduced visibilities in blowing dust. Winds gradually decreased into Tuesday evening.

High Wind in FAR NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 17-MAR-14 15:00:00 to 17-MAR-14 18:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The Raton ASOS recorded high sustained wind speeds up to 45 mph with a peak gust to 62 mph during the late afternoon/early evening of March 17, 2014.

High Wind in SANDIA/MANZANO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 17-MAR-14 20:00:00 to 18-MAR-14 09:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 65.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Wind measuring equipment at both the top and bottom of the Sandia Peak Tram measured gusts into the 70s during the overnight hours from March 17 to March 18, 2014. At the bottom of the Tram when they were closing up shop at around 10pm they recorded a base of the tram gust of 74mph. At the top of the Tram when they cleared the peak gust of 75 from the overnight hours they had 73mph gusts wind gusts.

High Wind in EAST SLOPES OF THE SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 17-MAR-14 15:00:00 to 17-MAR-14 23:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 35.00 ES
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

A COOP observer reported that power lines had been knocked down due to strong winds during the evening.

High Wind in ROOSEVELT COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 18-MAR-14 10:40:00 to 18-MAR-14 16:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 36.00 MS
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The Dora Mesonet site recorded high sustained wind speed of 40 to 41 mph with a peak gust to 52 mph during the afternoon of March 18, 2014. There was also a report via social media that a semi truck had flipped onto its side 7 miles east of Portales and slid 60ft or more blocking both westbound lanes and the median of highway 70 at 2pm on the 18th.

High Wind in CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 17-MAR-14 17:00:00 to 18-MAR-14 13:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 35.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The Clines Corners ASOS recorded a high sustained wind speed of 40 mph with a peak gust to 54 mph during the evening of March 17, 2014.

Dust Storm in FAR NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 18-MAR-14 13:00:00 to 18-MAR-14 15:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

One half to one mile visibility in blowing dust was reported by COOP observer.

High Wind in NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 17-MAR-14 14:00:00 to 17-MAR-14 18:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 35.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The Las Vegas ASOS recorded a high sustained wind speed of 40 mph with gusts into the low 50s during the afternoon of March 17, 2014.