An active pattern over New Mexico continued over March 16-17, 2021 as another strong winter storm system impacted the state. As the low pressure system and its associated cold front tracked eastward across New Mexico, westerly winds strengthened across much of the area. Due to a potent upper-level jet, the strongest winds were observed across eastern and southern New Mexico. Areas of snow also increased across northern New Mexico with mountain locations receiving about 5 to 8 inches of snow. The biggest impacts were felt across the northeast corner of the state where the combination of snow and strong winds resulted in blizzard conditions. These blizzard conditions resulted in severe driving conditions and the closure of U.S. Highway 64 from Raton to Clayton.

High Wind in SOUTHWEST CHAVES COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 16-MAR-21 13:36:00 to 16-MAR-21 16:36:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

A RAWS station near Dunken measured a peak wind gust of 62 mph.

Heavy Snow in SANDIA/MANZANO MOUNTAINS INCLUDING EDGEWOOD, NEW MEXICO
From 16-MAR-21 14:00:00 to 17-MAR-21 02:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Various sources across the Sandia and Manzano Mountains reported 6 to 8 inches of snow.

Heavy Snow in JOHNSON AND BARTLETT MESAS INCLUDING RATON PASS, NEW MEXICO
From 16-MAR-21 20:00:00 to 17-MAR-21 06:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Various sources across the Raton Pass area received 3 to 5 inches of snow. The combination of heavy snow and strong winds resulted in severe driving conditions, and U.S. Highway 64 was closed from Raton to Clayton.

Blizzard in UNION COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 16-MAR-21 20:00:00 to 17-MAR-21 06:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Various sources across Union County received about 4 to 5 inches of snow. The combination of heavy snow and strong winds resulted in blizzard conditions across the area. Severe driving conditions resulted in the closure of U.S. Highway 64 from Raton to Clayton.

Heavy Snow in GUADALUPE COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 16-MAR-21 21:00:00 to 17-MAR-21 07:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

A CoCoRaHS observer near Newkirk measured 9.1 inches of snow.

Heavy Snow in CURRY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 17-MAR-21 02:00:00 to 17-MAR-21 09:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter near Broadview reported 6 inches of snow.

High Wind in SOUTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 16-MAR-21 09:15:00 to 16-MAR-21 15:55:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 42.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

An AWOS station near Ruidoso measured several hours of sustained wind speeds of 40 to 48 mph.

High Wind in SOUTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 16-MAR-21 13:55:00 to 16-MAR-21 15:55:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 55.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

An AWOS station near Ruidoso measured a peak wind gust of 63 mph.

High Wind in CHAVES COUNTY PLAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 16-MAR-21 13:50:00 to 16-MAR-21 17:35:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 40.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station in Roswell measured several hours of sustained winds of 40 to 46 mph.

High Wind in CHAVES COUNTY PLAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 16-MAR-21 15:00:00 to 16-MAR-21 15:55:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station in Roswell measured a peak wind gust of 60 mph.

High Wind in EASTERN LINCOLN COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 16-MAR-21 22:33:00 to 16-MAR-21 23:59:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A weather station near Corona measured a peak wind speed of 58 mph.

High Wind in SOUTHWEST CHAVES COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 16-MAR-21 14:36:00 to 16-MAR-21 15:36:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 36.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

A RAWS station near Dunken measured a 42 mph sustained wind.