An abnormally strong storm system more typical of spring rather than early winter strengthened over the western United States early in the week of December 13, 2021. The defining characteristic for this system was the potent and dangerous upper-level jet associated with it as winds were well over 100 knots. As this system continued to deepen as it dived into the southwestern United States, these winds mixed down to the surface, resulting in a widespread historic windstorm for much of northern and central New Mexico on December 15, 2021. Its associated Pacific cold front arrived into western New Mexico early in the morning on the 15th, and wind speeds rapidly increased to over 60 mph at locations such as Gallup and Farmington. The rain and snow located along this cold front organized into a snow squall as it marched through western New Mexico and into the Rio Grande Valley. This resulted in blowing snow and reduced visibility along roadways such as Interstate 40 near Gallup. Several vehicle accidents were reported along Interstate 40 in McKinley County due to poor travel conditions which forced the closure of the major highway for a few hours during the morning. Lightning was even associated with this squall line which result in a period of thundersnow for the Farmington area with wind gusts in excess of 60 mph. As this storm system moved through the state during the afternoon hours, wind speeds continued to increase with the highest gusts recorded along and east of the central mountain chain due to downsloping winds. The highest gust during this event was 103 mph at Taos Ski Valley which sustained significant tree damage. Other high winds were generally 70 to 90 mph across the eastern plains. Numerous damage reports were received areawide, including downed trees and power lines, damage to mobile homes and other structures, and numerous traffic accidents. Key Impacts: damages, downed trees, downed power lines, power outages, traffic accidents, road closures.

Thunderstorm Wind in SAN JUAN, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 03:45:00 to 15-DEC-21 04:11:00 (MST-7)
Location: (FMN)FARMINGTON AIRPORT
Magnitude: 57.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Snow Squall. A snow squall with associated lightning strengthened as it moved through the Farmington area. Thunderstorm wind gusts across San Juan County were in excess of 58 mph at several weather stations. The Farmington ASOS measured a peak thunderstorm wind gust of 66 mph with thunderstorms, heavy snow, and one quarter mile visibility. The combination of high winds and snow resulted in difficult driving conditions in the area.

High Wind in WEST CENTRAL PLATEAU, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 02:53:00 to 15-DEC-21 03:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station in Gallup measured a peak high wind gust of 58 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in MCKINLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 03:34:00 to 15-DEC-21 04:00:00 (MST-7)
Location: (GUP)GALLUP AIRPORT
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 150.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

As a snow squall with associated lightning moved through the Gallup area, it resulted in estimated 75 mph winds. Multiple reports of damage were received in the Gallup area due to the high winds. Just northeast of Gallup, a COOP observer reported that a COVID-19 drive-through building on a trailer was blown into an eighteen foot power pole which snapped the pole at its base. A resident of Zuni Pueblo reported that power had been knocked out in their area. Damages in the Gallup area are estimated.

Winter Weather in WEST CENTRAL PLATEAU, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 04:32:00 to 15-DEC-21 08:30:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Snow squall. The combination of high winds and snow created difficult to severe driving conditions along major roadways in western McKinley County with visibility down to one quarter mile. A crash was reported along Interstate 40 near Manuelito due to slick roads and flash freeze conditions. The extent of injuries was not known, and damages are a rough estimate.

Winter Weather in WEST CENTRAL MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 05:00:00 to 15-DEC-21 08:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Snow squall. High winds and snow resulted in difficult to severe driving conditions along Interstate 40 and other major roadways with visibility down to one quarter mile. A crash was reported along Interstate 40 eastbound near Coolidge due to slick road conditions. The extent of injuries was not known, and damages are a rough estimate.

High Wind in WEST CENTRAL MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 05:25:00 to 15-DEC-21 06:25:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

A RAWS station south-southeast of El Morro measured a peak wind gust of 61 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in RIO ARRIBA, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 05:07:00 to 15-DEC-21 06:07:00 (MST-7)
Location: EL VADO
Magnitude: 60.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Snow squall. A RAWS station south-southwest of El Vado measured a peak wind gust of 69 mph as a snow squall with associated lightning tracked through the area. Another RAWS station south of Monero measured a wind gust to 66 mph also associated with the snow squall and thunderstorms.

High Wind in WEST CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 05:40:00 to 15-DEC-21 05:49:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

A New Mexico Department of Transportation weather station located along Interstate 40 near Mesita measured a peak wind gust of 59 mph.

High Wind in SOUTHWEST MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 03:02:00 to 15-DEC-21 03:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A public weather station near Quemado measured a peak wind gust of 59 mph.

High Wind in JEMEZ MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 05:53:00 to 15-DEC-21 07:55:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 78.00 EG
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Several weather stations across the Jemez Mountains measured wind gusts in excess of 58 mph. An AWOS station at Los Alamos measured a peak wind gust of 67 mph, but damages indicate wind speeds near 90 mph. These high winds resulted in numerous downed trees near Jemez Springs and Valles Caldera National Preserve which closed New Mexico State Road 4. Numerous automobile accidents were reported, and one man was even trapped in his car. Two people were transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Damages are estimated.

High Wind in GLORIETA MESA INCLUDING GLORIETA PASS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 04:44:00 to 15-DEC-21 06:46:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A public weather station near Glorieta measured a peak wind gust of 64 mph.

High Wind in NORTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 02:00:00 to 15-DEC-21 14:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 90.00 MG
Property damage: 2.50M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The weather station at Taos Ski Valley measured about twelve hours of wind speeds in excess of 58 mph with a peak wind gust of 103 mph. These high winds resulted in significant tree damage across Taos Ski Valley with numerous trees downed and splintered. A couple hundred acres of trees were completely flattened near the Wheeler Peak Condominiums. Ten to twenty acres of trees were downed at the El Funko area while another twenty acres of trees were downed near lift four at the ski resort. The Enchanted Forest Ski Site in Red River also reported numerous downed trees in their area. Taos County declared a State of Emergency due to the widespread wind damage. Damages are a rough estimate.

High Wind in EAST SLOPES SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 06:15:00 to 15-DEC-21 08:55:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 60.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

An AWOS station in Angel Fire measured a peak wind gust of 69 mph. A CoCoRaHS observer near Agua Fria measured a 77 mph wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind in SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 06:11:00 to 15-DEC-21 06:20:00 (MST-7)
Location: (SAF)SANTA FE MUNI AIRPORT
Magnitude: 61.00 MG
Property damage: 2.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Snow squall. A snow squall with associated lightning resulted in a peak wind gust of 70 mph at the Santa Fe airport. These high winds caused significant damage to parked aircraft with one lightweight aircraft flipped over and five others damaged. One hangar door was ripped off which collided it with another hangar door. Four other hangar doors were damaged. Two hangars suffered roof damage, and many bushes were ripped from the ground and strewn across the runway. These winds were responsible for downed trees at the Santa Fe State Capitol building as well as a 56-foot tree outside of St. Francis Cathedral. Damages are a rough estimate.

High Wind in LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 06:00:00 to 15-DEC-21 06:15:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A White Sands Missile Range mesonet station southeast of Bosque del Apache measured a peak wind gust of 59 mph.

High Wind in SANDIA/MANZANO MOUNTAINS INCLUDING EDGEWOOD, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 08:15:00 to 15-DEC-21 12:15:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 59.00 MG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Several weather stations across the Sandia and Manzano Mountains measured wind speeds in excess of 58 mph. A weather station northeast of Edgewood measured a peak wind gust of 68 mph. Several trees were downed in the higher terrain. Damages are a rough estimate.

High Wind in ESTANCIA VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 02:10:00 to 15-DEC-21 08:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 42.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A public weather station near Tajique measured a peak sustained wind of 48 mph. A trained spotter in Stanley measured a 63 mph wind gust.

High Wind in CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 05:53:00 to 15-DEC-21 10:53:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 55.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station in Clines Corners measured a peak wind speed of 63 mph.

High Wind in CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 09:08:00 to 15-DEC-21 10:53:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 37.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station in Clines Corners measured a peak sustained wind of 43 mph.

High Wind in SOUTH CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 05:40:00 to 15-DEC-21 05:50:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A White Sands Missile Range mesonet station near Bingham measured a peak wind gust of 59 mph.

High Wind in UPPER TULAROSA VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 06:40:00 to 15-DEC-21 06:50:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A White Sands Missile Range mesonet station near Oscuro measured a peak wind gust of 59 mph.

High Wind in SOUTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 04:15:00 to 15-DEC-21 10:55:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 59.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

An AWOS station near Ruidoso measured a peak wind gust of 68 mph.

High Wind in JOHNSON AND BARTLETT MESAS INCLUDING RATON PASS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 08:45:00 to 15-DEC-21 14:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A public weather station near Capulin measured a peak wind gust of 65 mph.

High Wind in NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 05:10:00 to 15-DEC-21 13:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 78.00 MG
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station near Las Vegas measured a peak wind gust of 90 mph. Several hours of high winds in the area resulted in significant damage with numerous downed trees and tree limbs. One tree damaged a home while another tree downed a power line which resulted in a power outage for parts of the city. Damages are a rough estimate.

High Wind in NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 05:10:00 to 15-DEC-21 13:40:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 53.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station near Las Vegas measured a peak sustained wind of 61 mph.

High Wind in UNION COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 08:40:00 to 15-DEC-21 13:45:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 66.00 MG
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station in Clayton measured a peak wind gust of 76 mph. With several hours of high winds recorded across Union County, numerous reports of damage were received. In Amistad, fifteen power poles were snapped while two others were downed in Grenville and another two in Mount Dora. As a result, power was out to much of the area. An RV traveling along U.S. Highway 64 was overturned near Grenville, but no information was provided on extent of injuries. Damages are a rough estimate.

High Wind in UNION COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 08:40:00 to 15-DEC-21 13:40:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 45.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station in Clayton measured a peak sustained wind of 52 mph.

High Wind in HARDING COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 08:05:00 to 15-DEC-21 09:05:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 58.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

A RAWS station near Mills measured a peak wind gust of 67 mph.

High Wind in EASTERN SAN MIGUEL COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 09:00:00 to 15-DEC-21 15:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter near Bell Ranch estimated wind gusts of at least 60 mph in the area. No damages were reported.

High Wind in GUADALUPE COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 07:15:00 to 15-DEC-21 08:35:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

An AWOS station near Santa Rosa measured a peak wind gust of 59 mph.

High Wind in QUAY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 09:10:00 to 15-DEC-21 12:55:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 64.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station in Tucumcari measured a peak wind gust of 74 mph.

High Wind in QUAY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 08:53:00 to 15-DEC-21 14:40:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 46.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station in Tucumcari measured a peak sustained wind of 53 mph.

High Wind in CURRY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 09:13:00 to 15-DEC-21 09:28:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A public weather station near Clovis measured a peak wind gust of 58 mph.

High Wind in CURRY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 08:03:00 to 15-DEC-21 09:38:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 37.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station at Cannon Air Force Base measured a peak sustained wind of 43 mph. The Curry County emergency manager reported blowing dust as well reducing visibility down to three-quarters of a mile.

High Wind in CHAVES COUNTY PLAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 08:55:00 to 15-DEC-21 10:25:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 60.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

As ASOS station in Roswell measured a peak wind gust of 69 mph.

High Wind in CHAVES COUNTY PLAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 08:50:00 to 15-DEC-21 10:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 44.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station in Roswell measured a peak sustained wind of 51 mph.

High Wind in SOUTHWEST CHAVES COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 10:36:00 to 15-DEC-21 11:36:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 36.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

A RAWS station near Dunken measured a peak sustained wind of 41 mph.

Winter Weather in UPPER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 04:30:00 to 15-DEC-21 11:30:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Snow squall. Heavy rain, snow, and thunderstorms moved into the Taos area early in the morning with the Taos AWOS initially reporting rain. However, flash freeze conditions quickly froze the rain that has fallen with the Taos County District Emergency Coordinator reporting one to two inches of solid ice on roadways. This resulted in slick roadways and difficult driving conditions. Many schools cancelled classes for the day while government offices closed.

Strong Wind in MIDDLE RIO GRANDE VALLEY/ALBUQUERQUE METRO AREA, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 06:00:00 to 15-DEC-21 07:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Strong winds in the Albuquerque area estimated at 45 to 50 mph downed trees on homes in the South Valley area. Damages are estimated.

Strong Wind in ESPANOLA VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 06:00:00 to 15-DEC-21 07:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Strong winds estimated at 45 to 50 mph snapped a transmission pole in two places at the Rio Grande crossing, resulting in a power outage at San Ildefonso Pueblo. Damages are estimated.

Winter Storm in TUSAS MOUNTAINS INCLUDING CHAMA, NEW MEXICO
From 14-DEC-21 18:00:00 to 15-DEC-21 12:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The combination of heavy snow and high winds created blizzard-like conditions across the Tusas Mountains. A COOP observer in Chama reported a power outage while the treacherous conditions forced the closure of New Mexico State Highway 17 from Chama to the Colorado border.

Thunderstorm Wind in TAOS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 05:50:00 to 15-DEC-21 08:20:00 (MST-7)
Location: TAOS
Magnitude: 78.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Snow squall. An intense line of thunderstorms with rain and snow moved quickly through Taos County early in the morning. An AWOS station in Taos measured a peak wind gust of 62 mph, but damage estimates within the city and surrounding areas indicate wind speeds of 80 to 100 mph as these high winds caused extensive damage. These thunderstorms produced a 2.9 mile long swath of damage from Blueberry Hill Road to El Prado oriented in an east-northeast direction. Six to seven homes sustained roof damage while one single wide mobile home was moved off its foundation. Numerous trees were snapped at the base with other large limbs downed, and at least two power poles were snapped at their bases. Two homes sustained significant roof damage with the aluminum roofing peeled completely off the homes. On a two story home, three-quarters of its roof was missing with part of its second story destroyed. At another home, a trampoline was found fifty feet in the air stuck in a tree. A radio tower was also downed which resulted in a power outage to the northern half of the city. Several schools in the area cancelled classes for the day while government offices were also closed. Taos County declared a State of Emergency, and COVID-19 vaccination sites were temporarily transformed into shelters for displaced people. Damages are a rough estimate.

High Wind in FAR NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 07:10:00 to 15-DEC-21 13:55:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 53.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station near Raton measured several hours with sustained winds in excess of 40 mph. The maximum sustained wind recorded was 61 mph.

High Wind in FAR NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-DEC-21 07:30:00 to 15-DEC-21 13:55:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 73.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station near Raton measured several hours of wind gusts in excess of 58 mph. The peak gust at the Raton airport was 84 mph.