An upper level trough of low pressure approaching from Arizona forced strong winds aloft over New Mexico on the 15th. Meanwhile, a surface low pressure center deepening over southeastern Colorado during the afternoon hours allowed for a strong pressure gradient to develop across New Mexico. Widespread strong winds impacted the region with the focus for high winds along the central mountain chain. Many areas experienced west to southwest wind gusts between 45 and 55 mph. The strongest winds occurred around Clines Corners where a peak wind to 75 mph was reported. Some of the high wind gusts were aided by atmospheric mixing from virga and light rain showers. Areas of blowing dust were reported with this event across the region however no significant visibility restrictions or serious impacts occurred.

High Wind in ALBUQUERQUE METRO AREA, NEW MEXICO
From 15-MAR-18 14:30:00 to 15-MAR-18 16:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Albuquerque Fire Department reported a bent light pole in the northeast heights from high winds. A wind gust up to 58 mph was reported in Placitas.

High Wind in CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-MAR-18 15:10:00 to 15-MAR-18 15:20:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 65.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Clines Corners reported a peak wind gust up to 75 mph. This wind was enhanced by a passing virga shower.

High Wind in NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-MAR-18 16:13:00 to 15-MAR-18 16:18:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A public weather station near Tecolotito reported a peak wind gust up to 58 mph.

High Wind in EASTERN LINCOLN COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 15-MAR-18 16:30:00 to 15-MAR-18 16:45:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The CSBF Transwestern Pump Station reported a peak wind gust up to 59 mph.

High Wind in EASTERN LINCOLN COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 15-MAR-18 14:10:00 to 16-MAR-18 00:45:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 41.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The CSBF Transwestern Pump Station reported peak sustained winds periodically between 40 and 47 mph.

High Wind in NORTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS ABOVE 9500 FEET/RED RIVER, NEW MEXICO
From 15-MAR-18 19:30:00 to 15-MAR-18 20:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Kachina Peak at Taos Ski Valley reported a peak wind gust up to 61 mph.

High Wind in FAR NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-MAR-18 23:45:00 to 16-MAR-18 02:55:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Raton Crews Airport reported peak wind gusts periodically between 58 mph and 64 mph.

High Wind in FAR NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-MAR-18 23:45:00 to 16-MAR-18 03:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 45.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Raton Crews Airport reported peak sustained winds periodically between 40 mph and 52 mph.

High Wind in SOUTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-MAR-18 12:45:00 to 15-MAR-18 16:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 38.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Sierra Blanca Regional Airport reported sustained wind speeds periodically between 40 and 44 mph.

High Wind in SOUTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-MAR-18 09:30:00 to 15-MAR-18 10:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Smokey Bear RAWS reported peak wind gusts up to 62 mph.