A large winter storm system moved slowly east from California into the central Rockies on February 6, 2019. A potent Pacific cold front in association with this system raced eastward across New Mexico during the early morning hours then through eastern New Mexico through the afternoon. A band of snow along the front produced strong winds, blowing snow, and low visibility as it moved through western and central New Mexico. Several accidents were reported along Interstate 40 west of Albuquerque due to wintry travel conditions. Southwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts near 45 mph impacted many areas of the state, but the strongest winds impacted eastern New Mexico where gusts near 60 mph were common. Blowing dust was reported in areas downwind of White Sands National Monument and around the Caprock.

High Wind in SOUTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 06-FEB-19 11:25:00 to 06-FEB-19 12:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 55.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Sierra Blanca airport reported a peak wind gust up to 63 mph.

High Wind in SOUTH CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 06-FEB-19 12:00:00 to 06-FEB-19 16:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several White Sands Missile Range sites reported peak wind gusts between 58 and 60 mph.

High Wind in NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 06-FEB-19 11:53:00 to 06-FEB-19 11:55:00 (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 LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 06-FEB-19 12:30:00 to 06-FEB-19 13:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several White Sands Missile Range sites reported peak wind gusts up to 60 mph.

High Wind in QUAY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 06-FEB-19 16:52:00 to 06-FEB-19 16:54:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The Tucumcari airport reported a peak wind gust up to 59 mph.

High Wind in QUAY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 06-FEB-19 12:02:00 to 06-FEB-19 15:52:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 40.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

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

High Wind in SOUTHWEST CHAVES COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 06-FEB-19 15:00:00 to 06-FEB-19 16:15:00 (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.

Winter Storm in SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 06-FEB-19 06:00:00 to 07-FEB-19 00:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The combination of three to six inches of snow, strong winds, blowing snow, low visibility, and very cold temperatures led to severe travel conditions along U.S. 84 and NM-17 near the Colorado border. U.S. 64 was also closed between Tierra Amarilla and Tres Piedras due to extreme travel conditions.

Winter Storm in NORTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS ABOVE 9500 FEET/RED RIVER, NEW MEXICO
From 06-FEB-19 06:00:00 to 07-FEB-19 02:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Snowfall amounts ranged from 6 to 10 inches in the area from Red River to Taos Ski Valley. High wind gusts up to 68 mph in the higher terrain resulted in near whiteout conditions from snow and blowing snow.