Strong winds associated with a powerful upper level storm system combined with a strong area of surface low pressure across New Mexico to produce widespread high winds. The strongest winds impacted the higher terrain of central and western New Mexico on the 22nd then central and eastern New Mexico on the 23rd. Peak wind speeds ranged from 60 to 70 mph. Temperatures were well above normal with a few records highs broken. The combination of warm temperatures and very low humidity produced dangerous fire conditions and blowing dust across the state. The visibility was reduced to one-half mile at Farmington and around 2 miles at Gallup from blowing dust. A wildfire broke out near Pojoaque and another near Ruidoso. Fortunately these fires were quickly contained. Tumbleweeds were a problem across much of the state as well, particularly the Albuquerque west side where drifts over 5 feet caused lane closures on several streets. The most significant property damage occurred to a home in Los Alamos where a large pine tree was toppled.

High Wind in SANDIA/MANZANO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 22-MAR-16 14:30:00 to 23-MAR-16 17:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The top of Sandia Peak Tramway reported a peak gust to 61 mph at 400 pm MDT on the 22nd. The tram was closed to the public due to high winds that lasted through the 23rd.

High Wind in CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 22-MAR-16 11:50:00 to 23-MAR-16 15:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Clines Corners reported high winds for an extended duration between the 22nd and 23rd. The peak wind gust of 62 mph was reported at 138pm MDT on the 23rd.

High Wind in SOUTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 22-MAR-16 10:00:00 to 23-MAR-16 00:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Sierra Blanca Regional airport reported several hours of high winds. The peak gust of 62 mph occurred at 415pm MDT on the 22nd. A small wildfire broke out on a hill behind Denny's in Ruidoso.

High Wind in NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 22-MAR-16 13:45:00 to 22-MAR-16 22:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Las Vegas airport reported a peak gust to 59 mph at 929 pm MDT.

High Wind in UNION COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 23-MAR-16 08:11:00 to 23-MAR-16 09:16:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 36.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

CWOP site at Sedan measured sustained winds near 40 mph for over an hour.

High Wind in GUADALUPE COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 23-MAR-16 14:20:00 to 23-MAR-16 15:20:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 37.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Railroad site near Vaughn reported peak sustained winds to 43 mph around 350 pm MDT.

High Wind in QUAY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 23-MAR-16 09:45:00 to 23-MAR-16 10:45:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 35.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Tucumcari airport.

High Wind in CURRY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 23-MAR-16 09:00:00 to 23-MAR-16 13:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Cannon Air Force Base reported a peak wind gust to 64 mph at 128 pm MDT.

High Wind in ROOSEVELT COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 23-MAR-16 08:10:00 to 23-MAR-16 15:40:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 39.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Dora reported peak sustained winds up to 45 mph for several hours.

High Wind in DE BACA COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 23-MAR-16 11:00:00 to 23-MAR-16 19:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility reported a peak wind gust to 61 mph at 800pm MDT.

High Wind in CHAVES COUNTY PLAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 23-MAR-16 08:45:00 to 23-MAR-16 12:35:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 37.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

CWOP site reported several hours of sustained winds above 40 mph.

Strong Wind in ALBUQUERQUE METRO AREA, NEW MEXICO
From 22-MAR-16 14:30:00 to 22-MAR-16 17:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 47.00 MG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Persistent wind gusts near 55 mph wreaked havoc across the Albuquerque Metro. Several roads on the west side became impassable due to tumbleweed drifts. One home had tumbleweeds pile up to the second floor. Several weakened and dead trees were also knocked down by the strong winds. Property damage was limited to fences and light weight objects.

High Wind in SOUTHWEST MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 22-MAR-16 11:00:00 to 23-MAR-16 06:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 63.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Peak wind gusts to 73 mph reported at 330am MDT at Magdalena Ridge Observatory. The remainder of the Southwest Mountains experienced gusts near 50 mph.

High Wind in NORTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS ABOVE 9500 FEET/RED RIVER, NEW MEXICO
From 22-MAR-16 06:00:00 to 23-MAR-16 00:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 71.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The Kachina Peak station at Taos Ski Valley reported wind gusts between 60 and 70 mph for around 18 hours. The peak gust of 71 mph was reported at 400 pm MDT on the 22nd.

High Wind in WEST CENTRAL PLATEAU, NEW MEXICO
From 22-MAR-16 13:17:00 to 22-MAR-16 18:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 57.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Peak wind of 66 mph reported at 338pm MDT. Blowing dust reduced visibility and impacted travel along Interstate 40.

High Wind in JEMEZ MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 22-MAR-16 11:30:00 to 23-MAR-16 10:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 58.00 MG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Public reported a peak wind gust of 67 mph from the west around 915am MDT on the 23rd. The Tower RAWS also reported a peak wind of 64 mph late on the 22nd. A large tree was toppled onto a home in Los Alamos near Aspen Elementary School.

High Wind in WEST SLOPES OF THE SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 22-MAR-16 16:45:00 to 22-MAR-16 19:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 55.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

CWOP site measured a peak wind gust of 63 mph at 556pm MDT to the northwest of Glorieta.