A record breaking late winter storm system moved through New Mexico on March 12-14, 2019. A deep tap of subtropical moisture surged north into the state ahead of this system on March 12th as a surface low deepened over northeastern New Mexico. Widespread showers and thunderstorms with locally heavy rainfall moved through the entire area on the 12th while heavy snow fell in the mountains above 9,000 feet. Abundant moisture and instability in place over eastern New Mexico led to the development of a large line of showers and thunderstorms with hail, damaging winds, and even a damaging EF-2 tornado in Chaves County. This was the first March tornado documented in Chaves County since 1959, and the earliest known EF-1 of stronger tornado in the state of New Mexico. Six people were injured and dozens of homes and structures were damaged or destroyed. A powerful Pacific cold front then blasted through the state on March 13th as bombogenesis took place along the Front Range of Rockies. Surface low pressure deepened over 24 millibars in 24 hours to record low values for a few sites within New Mexico and Kansas. The combination of a very intense surface pressure gradient and powerful jet stream winds aloft forced widespread strong to damaging winds across much of New Mexico. Peak wind gusts of 60 to 80 mph were common across eastern New Mexico, with sustained wind speeds between 40 and 60 mph for several hours. A large cargo train was blown off a bridge near Logan, completely destroying all 26 cars. Several high profile vehicles were also overturned on Interstate 25, Interstate 40, and U.S. Highway 285. Trees, power lines, and roofs were damaged in many other areas of the state. Snow continued to pile up in the higher terrain through the night of the 13th where storm total snowfall accumulations ranged from 20 to 40 inches.

Heavy Snow in NORTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS ABOVE 9500 FEET/RED RIVER, NEW MEXICO
From 11-MAR-19 07:00:00 to 14-MAR-19 04:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Various sources reported 20 to 40 inches of snowfall in the higher terrain around Red River and Taos Ski Valley. The combination of heavy snow and strong winds resulted in significant blowing and drifting snow.

High Wind in SOUTH CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 10:30:00 to 13-MAR-19 19:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 71.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Various White Sands Missile Range sites reported peak wind gusts between 58 mph and 82 mph for several hours. Significant blowing dust was reported across the area.

High Wind in ROOSEVELT COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 09:42:00 to 13-MAR-19 15:48:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 61.00 MG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Dora reported peak wind gusts up to 70 mph for several hours. Downed power lines were reported along NM-236 and Avenue O.

Heavy Snow in SOUTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS ABOVE 9500 FEET, NEW MEXICO
From 11-MAR-19 08:00:00 to 14-MAR-19 04:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Snowfall amounts as high as 32 inches were reported in the higher terrain east of Santa Fe. The combination of heavy snow and strong winds resulted in significant blowing and drifting snow.

High Wind in SOUTH CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 14:40:00 to 13-MAR-19 18:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 41.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Various White Sands Missile Range sites reported sustained winds between 40 mph and 47 mph for several hours. Significant blowing dust was reported across the area.

High Wind in ROOSEVELT COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 08:00:00 to 13-MAR-19 17:20:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 46.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Dora reported sustained winds between 40 mph and 53 mph for several hours.

Heavy Snow in EAST SLOPES OF THE SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 11-MAR-19 12:00:00 to 14-MAR-19 01:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Various sources along the east slope of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains reported between 15 and 25 inches of heavy snow. The heaviest snow fell in areas above 8,500 feet. The combination of heavy snow and high winds resulted in significant blowing and drifting snow. Bobcat Pass was closed due to heavy snow and dangerous travel conditions.

High Wind in UPPER TULAROSA VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 16:38:00 to 13-MAR-19 16:43:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 55.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The White Sands Missile Range site at Pole 616 reported a peak wind gust up to 63 mph.

High Wind in DE BACA COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 12:20:00 to 13-MAR-19 15:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 58.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Various stations across De Baca County reported peak wind gusts between 58 mph and 67 mph.

Heavy Snow in UPPER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 02:00:00 to 13-MAR-19 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Sources from near Valdez to Los Cordovas reported between 4 and 6 inches of snow.

High Wind in SOUTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 13:30:00 to 13-MAR-19 14:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

The Smokey Bear RAWS reported peak wind gusts up to 59 mph.

High Wind in CHAVES COUNTY PLAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 09:21:00 to 13-MAR-19 16:38:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 51.00 MS
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The Roswell airport reported sustained winds between 40 mph and 59 mph for several hours.

High Wind in WEST CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 08:00:00 to 13-MAR-19 16:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 45.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The NMDOT mesonet site at Interstate 40 and NM-6 reported sustained winds between 40 mph and 52 mph for several hours.

High Wind in RATON RIDGE/JOHNSON MESA, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 09:00:00 to 14-MAR-19 04:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The combination of light snow, high winds, blowing snow, and ground blizzard conditions forced the closure of U.S. 64 between Raton and Clayton.

High Wind in EASTERN LINCOLN COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 10:20:00 to 13-MAR-19 13:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A peak gust of 62 mph was reported  18 miles northeast of Encinoso.

High Wind in WEST CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 14:45:00 to 13-MAR-19 15:55:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The NMDOT mesonet site at Interstate 40 and NM-6 reported peak wind gusts up to 64 mph. The Laguna RAWS reported peak wind gusts up to 63 mph.

Winter Weather in RATON RIDGE/JOHNSON MESA, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 20:42:00 to 14-MAR-19 04:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The combination of light snow, high winds, blowing snow, and ground blizzard conditions forced the closure of U.S. 64 between Raton and Clayton.

High Wind in SOUTHWEST CHAVES COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 13:45:00 to 13-MAR-19 15:45:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

The Dunken RAWS reported peak wind gusts up to 60 mph.

High Wind in SANTA FE METRO AREA, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 10:00:00 to 13-MAR-19 15:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 61.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A weather station near Madrid reported peak wind gusts up to 70 mph for several hours.

High Wind in FAR NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 09:30:00 to 13-MAR-19 15:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 68.00 MG
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The Raton airport reported peak wind gusts up to 59 mph. An observer in Wagon Mound reported peak wind gusts up to 78 mph. Interstate 25 was closed for several hours from Springer southward to near Las Vegas and Rowe. At least four semi trailers were reported overturned in Mora County. Details on damages are a very rough estimate and injuries are unknown.

Tornado in CHAVES, NEW MEXICO
From 12-MAR-19 16:55:00 to 12-MAR-19 17:10:00 (MST-7)
Location: LAKE ARTHUR
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 2.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Just before 6 pm MDT on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, a tornado touched down in Chaves County, about 15 miles south southwest of Dexter. The tornado moved north northeast for approximately 15 minutes before dissipating about one half mile northeast of the community of Dexter. Six people suffered minor injuries, and six homes were substantially damaged or completely destroyed. An additional dozen homes and structures also sustained minor to moderate damage. This was the first March tornado documented in Chaves County since 1959, and the earliest known EF1 or stronger tornado in the state of New Mexico. The last EF2 tornado in New Mexico occurred on May 23, 2012. Damage amounts are a rough estimate.

High Wind in EAST SLOPES OF THE SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 09:45:00 to 13-MAR-19 10:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 55.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

The Angel Fire airport reported a peak wind gust up to 63 mph.

High Wind in NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 10:13:00 to 13-MAR-19 11:14:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 58.00 MG
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The Las Vegas airport reported peak wind gusts up to 67 mph. Interstate 25 was closed for several hours due to a semi trailer rollover. A truck towing a recreational vehicle was also overturned on Interstate 25 and a U-Haul was overturned on U.S. 285. Significant roof damage and tree damage occurred around Las Vegas with numerous power outages reported. Details on damages are a very rough estimate and injuries are unknown.

Hail in DE BACA, NEW MEXICO
From 12-MAR-19 17:44:00 to 12-MAR-19 17:46:00 (MST-7)
Location: FT SUMNER
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Quarter size hail reported six miles west of Fort Sumner.

High Wind in ALBUQUERQUE METRO AREA, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 13:00:00 to 13-MAR-19 15:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 35.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

The Double Eagle airport reported sustained winds of 40 mph.

High Wind in UNION COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 09:00:00 to 13-MAR-19 11:35:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A weather station in Sedan reported peak wind gusts up to 64 mph. The Clayton airport reported peak wind gusts up to 60 mph. U.S. 64 was closed for several hours due to the combination of light snow, high winds, blowing snow, and low visibility.

Thunderstorm Wind in QUAY, NEW MEXICO
From 12-MAR-19 18:42:00 to 12-MAR-19 18:44:00 (MST-7)
Location: (TCC)TUCUMCARI ARPT
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

A thunderstorm at the Tucumcari airport produced heavy rainfall and outflow wind gusts up to 60 mph.

Avalanche in NORTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS ABOVE 9500 FEET/RED RIVER, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 12:15:00 to 13-MAR-19 12:15:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

An avalanche across from the Taos Ski Valley ski area briefly trapped a woman inside a home Wednesday afternoon, according to the ski resort���s vice president. Chris Stagg said an avalanche began on private property around 1:15 p.m. Wednesday. It crossed a few roads and trapped a woman inside her house. The woman was taken to Holy Cross Hospital in Taos and isn���t believed to have life-threatening injuries, Stagg said. He could not provide a name or age for the woman. Stagg said he suspects that people were snowboarding or skiing on the private land and possibly triggered the avalanche. Two residential roads are closed due to snow and the avalanche and the upper mountain lifts were closed Wednesday due to high winds, Stagg said. Information courtesy of the Albuquerque Journal.

High Wind in HARDING COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 09:10:00 to 13-MAR-19 13:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Mills Canyon reported peak wind gusts up to 64 mph.

High Wind in SANDIA/MANZANO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 03:30:00 to 13-MAR-19 10:15:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The COOP station near Manzano reported peak wind gusts up to 60 mph. A weather station several miles southeast of Placitas reported peak wind gusts up to 64 mph for several hours. Minor property damage was reported near Yrisarri.

High Wind in LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 13:16:00 to 13-MAR-19 14:09:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 57.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The White Sands Missile Range station at Stallion WIT reported peak wind gusts up to 66 mph.

High Wind in EASTERN SAN MIGUEL COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 06:30:00 to 13-MAR-19 15:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 39.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A weather station at Conchas Lake reported sustained winds between 40 mph and 45 mph for several hours.

High Wind in LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 07:35:00 to 13-MAR-19 21:15:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 38.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Various stations across the area reported sustained winds between 40 and 44 mph for over 12 hours, including the Socorro airport.

High Wind in GUADALUPE COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 08:00:00 to 13-MAR-19 14:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 63.00 MG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Various stations across Guadalupe County reported peak wind gusts between 58 mph and 72 mph for several hours. One semi trailer was overturned along Interstate 40 and another along U.S. 285 south of Vaughn. Damages are a rough estimate for the semis.

Heavy Snow in CHUSKA MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 12-MAR-19 13:00:00 to 13-MAR-19 19:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

The Navajo Whiskey SNOTEL reported 16 inches of snow with rates near one inch per hour for several hours. Severe travel conditions were reported along NM-134.

High Wind in ESTANCIA VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 11:16:00 to 13-MAR-19 11:50:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

The Moriarty airport reported peak wind gusts up to 61 mph.

High Wind in QUAY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 07:50:00 to 13-MAR-19 15:54:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 62.00 MG
Property damage: 3.50M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Various sources across Quay County reported peak wind gusts between 58 mph and 71 mph, including the Tucumcari airport. A cargo train with 26 cars was blown off a bridge and fell nearly 50 feet to the bottom of the Canadian River near Logan. NM-469 was closed while the wreckage was cleared from the river bottom. No injuries occurred in this incident. Damage estimates are a rough estimate for complete destruction of the train cars at $135,000 each with unknown cargo.

Heavy Snow in JEMEZ MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 11-MAR-19 03:00:00 to 13-MAR-19 19:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Various sources in the Jemez Mountains reported between 6 and 16 inches of heavy snow. The combination of snow and strong winds resulted in significant blowing snow and tree damage around the higher terrain. NM-4 was closed for several hours to remove fallen trees.

High Wind in ESTANCIA VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 10:40:00 to 13-MAR-19 15:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 40.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

The Moriarty airport reported sustained winds between 40 mph and 46 mph for several hours.

High Wind in QUAY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 07:38:00 to 13-MAR-19 17:03:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 49.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The Tucumcari airport reported sustained winds between 40 mph and 56 mph for several hours.

Heavy Snow in SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 11-MAR-19 09:00:00 to 14-MAR-19 02:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Various sources within the higher terrain of eastern Rio Arriba County reported between 12 and 19 inches of heavy snow. The storm total of 19 inches at Chama ending March 15th broke the two-day and three-day records dating back to 1973 and 1941 respectively.

High Wind in CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 09:15:00 to 13-MAR-19 19:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 69.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Clines Corners reported peak wind gusts up to 79 mph for several hours.

High Wind in CURRY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 09:48:00 to 13-MAR-19 17:38:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 69.00 MG
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Various stations across Curry County reported peak wind gusts between 58 mph and 79 mph, including Cannon AFB. A section of roof was blown off the Clovis Youth Recreation Center. A large section of metal roofing was blown off a building at 7th and Prince. Numerous downed power lines were reported throughout the county. A downed power line caused a house fire near 9th and Wallace. Roughly 800 residents were without power. Damage amounts are a rough estimates and injuries are unknown.

Heavy Snow in WEST SLOPES OF THE SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 11-MAR-19 22:00:00 to 13-MAR-19 23:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Various sources reported between 4 and 22 inches of heavy snow along the west slope of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The heaviest snowfall occurred in areas above 8,500 feet.

High Wind in CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 09:55:00 to 13-MAR-19 18:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 44.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Clines Corners reported sustained winds between 40 mph and 51 mph for several hours.

High Wind in CURRY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 08:00:00 to 13-MAR-19 18:45:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 51.00 MS
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The Clovis airport reported sustained winds between 40 mph and 59 mph for several hours.

High Wind in CHAVES COUNTY PLAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 13-MAR-19 09:51:00 to 13-MAR-19 15:50:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 59.00 MG
Property damage: 2.50M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

The Roswell airport reported peak wind gusts up to 68 mph for several hours. U.S. 285 was closed in Roswell due to a semi trailer rollover. Significant blowing dust resulted in near zero visibility along NM-2. Carports and other light weight structures were damaged across the Roswell area. A hangar at the Roswell airport for SCEYE Inc. was completely destroyed resulting in damage totaling two million dollars.