A potent upper level trough raced eastward across New Mexico with an associated sharp cold front. A deepening surface low pressure center over southeastern Colorado produced widespread strong southwest winds over central and eastern New Mexico ahead of the cold front. As the cold front plowed eastward across the state winds shifted to the west and high winds continued to impact the area behind the front. Enough moisture was present along the front to produce rain and snow showers, which enhanced high winds in several areas. Many areas of eastern New Mexico saw peak wind gusts between 60 and 70 mph while central and western New Mexico experienced gusts between 50 and 60 mph. Some wind damage was reported with this event along with areas of blowing dust.

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

The Dunken RAWS reported a peak wind gust up to 59 mph.

High Wind in DE BACA COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 18-MAR-18 14:00:00 to 18-MAR-18 17:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 39.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A public weather station at Sumner Lake reported peak sustained winds between 40 mph and 45 mph periodically for a few hours.

High Wind in ALBUQUERQUE METRO AREA, NEW MEXICO
From 18-MAR-18 12:00:00 to 18-MAR-18 16:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 38.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The Albuquerque Sunport reported peak sustained winds between 40 mph and 44 mph for several hours. Double Eagle II airport also reported peak sustained winds up to 44 mph.

High Wind in ALBUQUERQUE METRO AREA, NEW MEXICO
From 18-MAR-18 12:00:00 to 18-MAR-18 16:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The Albuquerque Sunport reported a peak wind gust up to 60 mph. Winds were strong enough across the metro area to cause tree damage. One large tree was uprooted near San Pedro and Candelaria. A semi-trailer was also blown over along Interstate 25 near Isleta Pueblo. Many other folks noted tree small limbs broken in several areas of town, including Los Lunas.

High Wind in SOUTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 18-MAR-18 11:55:00 to 18-MAR-18 13:45:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Sierra Blanca Regional Airport reported peak wind gusts between 58 mph and 62 mph for several hours. Peak sustained winds up to 47 mph were also reported for a short duration during this time.

High Wind in SANTA FE METRO AREA, NEW MEXICO
From 18-MAR-18 12:30:00 to 18-MAR-18 12:45:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A public weather station near Madrid reported peak wind gusts up to 65 mph. Sustained winds during this time reached as high as 53 mph.

High Wind in ALBUQUERQUE METRO AREA, NEW MEXICO
From 18-MAR-18 12:00:00 to 18-MAR-18 16:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

High winds toppled a large cinder block wall in Rio Rancho.

High Wind in SANDIA/MANZANO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 18-MAR-18 12:25:00 to 18-MAR-18 12:35:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A ranch several miles southeast of Placitas reported peak wind gusts up to 60 mph.

High Wind in ESTANCIA VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 18-MAR-18 12:30:00 to 18-MAR-18 13:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A spotter in Stanley reported peak wind gusts up to 59 mph. Horses on the spotter's ranch were running around hysterical in the winds.

High Wind in CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 18-MAR-18 13:00:00 to 18-MAR-18 16:15:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 61.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Clines Corners reported a peak wind gust up to 70 mph.

High Wind in CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 18-MAR-18 14:15:00 to 18-MAR-18 16:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 45.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Clines Corners reported peak sustained winds between 40 mph and 52 mph.

High Wind in JEMEZ MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 18-MAR-18 13:00:00 to 18-MAR-18 13:15:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

The Tower RAWS reported a peak wind gust up to 64 mph.

High Wind in SOUTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 18-MAR-18 13:25:00 to 18-MAR-18 13:35:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A public weather station a few miles northwest of Nogal reported a peak wind gust up to 58 mph.

High Wind in SOUTH CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 18-MAR-18 14:00:00 to 18-MAR-18 14:10:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 55.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A public weather station at the Deer Canyon Preserve reported peak wind gusts up to 63 mph.

High Wind in EASTERN LINCOLN COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 18-MAR-18 14:15:00 to 18-MAR-18 14:45:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The CSBF Transwestern Pump station reported a peak wind gust up to 62 mph.

High Wind in GUADALUPE COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 18-MAR-18 14:30:00 to 18-MAR-18 14:40:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

The Santa Rosa airport reported a peak wind gust up to 61 mph.

High Wind in CURRY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 18-MAR-18 14:45:00 to 18-MAR-18 16:45:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 38.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A public weather station in Melrose reported peak sustained winds between 40 mph and 44 mph periodically for a couple hours.

High Wind in CURRY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 18-MAR-18 15:45:00 to 18-MAR-18 15:55:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 63.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Cannon AFB reported peak wind gusts up to 73 mph.

High Wind in QUAY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 18-MAR-18 15:00:00 to 18-MAR-18 15:15:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 55.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The Tucumcari Municipal airport reported a peak wind gust up to 63 mph.

High Wind in QUAY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 18-MAR-18 15:30:00 to 18-MAR-18 15:40:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A public weather station in Glenrio reported a peak wind gust up to 62 mph.