An unseasonably strong storm system that developed over the Great Basin moved quickly east through New Mexico on October 12, 2021 with strong winds, rain, snow, much colder temperatures, and areas of blowing dust. South to southwest winds increased during the early morning of the 12th then became widespread across the region by the afternoon. Severe wind gusts up to 70 mph around Ruidoso blew down trees and power lines. Peak wind gusts of 55 to 65 mph were common across the remainder of central and eastern NM. Blowing dust reduced visibility to around five miles at Ruidoso. A couple rain and snow bands moved through the area as well with a few inches of snow reported in the high terrain. Portions of the northern mountains picked up two to six inches of snow with even some light amounts around Chama and Taos. The coldest temperatures of the season moved into the area behind this system.

High Wind in WEST CENTRAL PLATEAU, NEW MEXICO
From 12-OCT-21 02:52:00 to 12-OCT-21 02:54:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An approaching line of rain and snow showers along a strong cold front produced a brief wind gust up to 59 mph at Gallup.

High Wind in SOUTHWEST MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 12-OCT-21 04:00:00 to 12-OCT-21 14:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 58.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The Magdalena Ridge Observatory reported peak wind gusts up to 67 mph. Areas around Red Hill peaked at 57 mph. Patchy blowing dust was also reported across the area.

High Wind in SANDIA/MANZANO MOUNTAINS INCLUDING EDGEWOOD, NEW MEXICO
From 12-OCT-21 07:50:00 to 12-OCT-21 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The Sandia Airpark north of Edgewood reported peak wind gusts up to 60 mph.

High Wind in CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 12-OCT-21 08:10:00 to 12-OCT-21 12:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 55.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Clines Corners reported peak wind gusts up to 63 mph.

High Wind in SOUTH CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 12-OCT-21 13:16:00 to 12-OCT-21 13:24:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Several White Sands Missile Range mesonet sites reported peak wind gusts between 55 and 60 mph.

High Wind in UPPER TULAROSA VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 12-OCT-21 12:22:00 to 12-OCT-21 12:27:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A White Sands Missile Range site reported a peak wind gust up to 58 mph.

High Wind in SOUTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 12-OCT-21 06:30:00 to 12-OCT-21 14:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 61.00 MG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

The Sierra Blanca Regional Airport reported peak wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph for several hours. Power lines were downed in Ruidoso Downs and several trees were blown over in Ruidoso. No other property damage was reported and damages are estimated for loss of power lines.

High Wind in FAR NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 12-OCT-21 09:52:00 to 12-OCT-21 12:45:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 51.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The Raton airport reported peak wind gusts up to 59 mph.

High Wind in NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 12-OCT-21 10:00:00 to 12-OCT-21 12:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 40.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A couple public weather stations around Los Montoyas and Tecolotito reported sustained winds between 43 and 46 mph for several hours.

Thunderstorm Wind in QUAY, NEW MEXICO
From 12-OCT-21 16:01:00 to 12-OCT-21 16:03:00 (MST-7)
Location: (TCC)TUCUMCARI ARPT
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An area of thunderstorms moving over Tucumcari produced a brief wind gust up to 62 mph.

High Wind in SOUTHWEST CHAVES COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 12-OCT-21 10:00:00 to 12-OCT-21 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 35.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

The Dunken RAWS site reported sustained winds of 40 mph.