Ski Apache

...STRONG WEST WINDS TO CONTINUE FOR CENTRAL AND EASTERN NEW MEXICO MAINLY ALONG AND SOUTH OF INTERSTATE 40 THROUGH THE AFTERNOON... .Very strong west winds have impacted the central high terrain and eastern plains of New Mexico this morning as the winter storm exits the region. Winds are near their expected peak intensity over the next couple of hours, then are expected to slowly diminish by the evening. Sustained speeds of 35 to 50 mph with gusts up to 60 or 65 mph will be possible. Strong crosswinds will impact north to south oriented roadways producing hazardous travel, especially for high profile vehicles. Areas of blowing snow and dust will be possible resulting in locally reduced visibility. ...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST THIS AFTERNOON...

LOCATION...Central Highlands and South Central Mountains, Guadalupe, Quay, Curry, Roosevelt, De Baca, Chaves, and Eastern Lincoln Counties.

WINDS...Sustained 35 to 50 mph with gusts up to 60 or 65 mph.

TIMING...Winds are peaking between 10 AM and 1 PM and will slowly taper off through the afternoon before diminishing by 5 PM MST.

VISIBILITY...Locally reduced in areas of blowing dust or snow.

LOCAL IMPACTS...Strong crosswinds will produce hazardous if not dangerous driving conditions along north-to-south oriented roadways, including U.S Highways 54, 70, 84, and 285. Wind damage could occur to small structures with light weight objects potentially becoming airborne.

...GUSTY WINDS NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS...MIDDLE AND LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY AND SOUTH CENTRAL HIGHLANDS... ...STRONG WEST WINDS TO IMPACT EASTERN NEW MEXICO SATURDAY... .Gusty south to southwest winds will affect portions of central and northeast New Mexico this afternoon in advance of a winter storm system. Very strong west winds remain forecast to impact the eastern plains of New Mexico Saturday as the storm exits the region. Winds will quickly strengthen very early Saturday morning, then slowly diminish by Saturday evening. Sustained winds of 35 to 50 mph with gusts up to 60 or 65 mph will be possible. Strong crosswinds will impact north to south oriented roadways producing hazardous travel, especially for high profile vehicles. ...HIGH WIND WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON...

LOCATION...Central and South Central Highlands, Guadalupe, Quay, Curry, Roosevelt, De Baca, Chaves, and Eastern Lincoln Counties.

WINDS...Sustained 35 to 50 mph with gusts up to 60 or 65 mph.

TIMING...Starting over the higher terrain between midnight and 3 am Saturday morning, then spreading over the lower elevations early Saturday morning. Winds to reach peak speeds around sunrise Saturday through midday before slowly tapering off by 5 pm MST.

VISIBILITY...Locally reduced in areas of blowing dust or snow.

LOCAL IMPACTS...Strong crosswinds will produce hazardous if not dangerous driving conditions along north-to-south oriented roadways, including U.S Highways 54, 70, 84, and 285. Wind damage could occur to small structures with light weight objects potentially becoming airborne.