A potent upper level trough raced eastward across New Mexico with an associated sharp cold front. A deepening surface low pressure center over southeastern Colorado produced widespread strong southwest winds over central and eastern New Mexico ahead of the cold front.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS ABQ wrote it up.
A potent upper level trough raced eastward across New Mexico with an associated sharp cold front. A deepening surface low pressure center over southeastern Colorado produced widespread strong southwest winds over central and eastern New Mexico ahead of the cold front. As the cold front plowed eastward across the state winds shifted to the west and high winds continued to impact the area behind the front. Enough moisture was present along the front to produce rain and snow showers, which enhanced high winds in several areas. Many areas of eastern New Mexico saw peak wind gusts between 60 and 70 mph while central and western New Mexico experienced gusts between 50 and 60 mph. Some wind damage was reported with this event along with areas of blowing dust.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Albuquerque, NM wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Mar 18, 11:10 AM MST, 45 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion...UPDATED National Weather Service Albuquerque NM 1210 PM MDT Sun Mar 18 2018 .AVIATION... 18Z TAF CYCLE The Pacific cold front is evident on satellite and radar at this hour as a band of rain and snow showers with isolated embedded thunderstorms and MVFR and IFR conditions crossing central and north central NM. Winds will shift out of the west with gusts in the 30 to 45 kt range with the front. The precip will be mostly gusty virga showers in the downslope flow east of the central mountain chain. Snow showers and mountain obscurations will linger over the northern mountains by late this afternoon and evening. Strong to very strong winds are expected this afternoon with west and northwest wind gusts commonly reaching 40 kt, except over 50 kt at times along and southeast of a line from ABQ to SAF to AXX. Blowing dust will likely create MVFR and locally IFR conditions this afternoon in dust prone locations. Winds will weaken very gradually through the overnight hours, except across northeast NM where a back door cold front will continue to deliver gusts in the 35 to 45 kt range out of the north. Strong winds will linger through much of Monday morning across northeast areas. 44 && .PREV DISCUSSION...1126 AM MDT Sun Mar 18 2018... .UPDATE... The High Wind Warning was just expanded, as were some portions of the wind advisory. Included Albuquerque and Santa Fe Metro areas in the high wind warning, as gusts to 50kt (58 mph) seem possible, especially toward dusk, during the frontal passage, and also from any enhancements from showers/thunderstorms nearby. Otherwise, temperatures, sky coverage, and snow forecast elements seem to be on track for today's unsettled pattern. New Zone Forecast Package is already out. 52 && .PREV DISCUSSION...548 AM MDT Sun Mar 18 2018... .AVIATION... 12Z TAF CYCLE A storm system in northern AZ this morning will move rapidly eastward across northern NM today and into northwest TX this evening. The primary effect of this storm will be to produce windy to very windy conditions across all of northern and central NM. West to southwest winds across western NM will gust to between 35 and 40 knots late this morning through early this evening. Higher west to southwest wind gust are expected across central and eastern NM, where gusts between 40 and 55 knots are expected this afternoon through late tonight. Blowing dust will reduce visibility to less than 3 statute miles in some locations east of the central mountains and between 3 and 5 statute miles west of the central mountains. The storm system will also produce light rain mixed with snow and higher elevation snow across western and north central NM with MVFR visibility in precipitation possible from mid morning through this evening. Mountain obscurations will be widespread across western and north central NM this morning through late tonight. Isolated thunderstorms across western and north central NM this afternoon will have the potential to produce strong and erratic winds. Strong winds crossing the mountain ranges throughout NM will produce dangerous turbulence near and to the east of the mountains with rotor activity possible. 28 && .PREV DISCUSSION...335 AM MDT Sun Mar 18 2018... .SYNOPSIS... A storm system swinging over northern and central New Mexico today and tonight will bring rain, snow and a few thunderstorms to locales along and north of Interstate 40, while very strong winds rake areas along and south of Interstate 40 and along and east of Interstate 25. Critical fire weather conditions redevelop over the Northeast and East Central Plains this afternoon as well. Colder temperatures will invade the region from west to east and accumulating snow will be possible over the San Juan, Chuska, Sangre de Cristo and Jemez mountain peaks. Strong west to northwest winds will persist tonight and into Monday over portions of the central and northeast while chances for precipitation taper off. Tonight through Tuesday will be cooler than normal, but temperatures will rebound and dry weather will prevail by Wednesday. Gusty winds and critical fire weather conditions are possible over the northeast and east central Thursday through Saturday. && .DISCUSSION... Short term models continue the idea of some light showers over the south central to east central early this morning under some thicker mid level clouds before the plume is shunted eastward by the incoming upper storm system. Dew points have increased over this area so painted some 10 to 15 percent pops over that part of the forecast area this morning. Activity associated with the upper system/cold front looks to be a bit slower entering western NM early this morning, and HRRR/RAP13 don't generate any precipitation until between 15z-18Z along and west of the Continental Divide. It's still a fast moving system, although spotty precipitation may be a bit farther south than earlier forecasted, based on guidance pops for the Middle RGV. Didn't go that high though because dew points get scoured out rapidly this afternoon. However, would not be surprised to see isolated virga around here which could result in a brief but variable and very strong to possibly damaging wind gust. Still getting some marginal snowfall amounts for winter weather advisories for the Chuska, Jemez, San Juan and peaks of the Sangre de Cristo mts later today and this evening. Went ahead with a winter weather advisory for the San Juan and northern and southern Sangre de Cristo mts though start time is a bit shaky especially for the Sangre de Cristo portion of the advisory. Not as confident on the snow amounts for the Chuska and Jemez, so left them out, but this may need to be re-evaluated later this morning. Wind highlights were expanded as well, and may need to be adjusted for the northeast corner of the state where strong winds to persist overnight and into Monday. Near to below average temperatures tonight through Tuesday. Dry with rebounding temperatures Wednesday then becoming more unsettled later this week with breezy to windy conditions. There may be a brief round of precipitation Thursday favoring the west and central but no big wetting storm. The weekend looks rather windy but thereafter models diverge significantly. && .FIRE WEATHER... ..CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPECTED ACROSS THE EASTERN PLAINS TODAY... A potent upper level trough will move rapidly across northern AZ this morning and continue across northern NM this afternoon and early evening. A mix of rain and snow in the lower elevations and snow in the higher elevations is expected across western and north central NM today. Wetting precipitation is likely from the Northwest Plateau to the Sangre de Cristos with generally one-tenth to two- tenths of liquid expected. Two to four inches of snow are likely in The Chuska, Tusas, Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains with around 6 inches possible in the higher peaks of the Tusas and Sangre de Cristos. The main impact from the storm system moving across northern NM today will be strong to very strong southwest to west winds. Winds advisories and high wind warnings are posted for much of northern and central NM from late this morning through late tonight. Sustained winds across much of western NM will be 30 to 40 mph with gusts 50 to 60 mph late this morning through early evening. In northeast NM, sustained west winds will be 30 to 40 mph with gusts 35 to 55 mph early this afternoon through late tonight. From the Sandia Mountains southward to the Sacramento Mountains and eastward across the plains to the TX border, sustained west winds will be 35 to 50 mph with gusts 55 to 65 mph early this afternoon through late tonight. Red flag warnings are in effect for FWZ104 and FWZ108 from noon today through early this evening. Despite very strong winds to the west in FWZ103 and FWZ107, relative humidity will increase with the approaching storm late this morning and preclude the threat of critical fire weather conditions. A backdoor cold front will move across the eastern plains this evening, and by that time relative humidity will increase above critical levels, as low level moisture associated with the upper level low in northwest TX/far western OK moves in from the north and west. Northwest winds behind the front in eastern portions of FWZ104 will range between 25 and 40 mph with gusts 40 to 55 mph from mid evening tonight through mid morning Monday. Minimum relative humidity will stay above 15 percent across most of the region Monday, except for a few hours in the late afternoon across far southern portions of FWZ107 and far southern portions of FWZ108. Northwest winds will be 15 to 25 mph Monday afternoon across the higher elevations of western NM and in the Central Highlands. Breezy to windy conditions are expected throughout the day on Monday across the far eastern plains with northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. No critical fire weather conditions are anticipated Monday given the higher relative humidity. Ventilation rates Monday will be generally good to excellent with fair to good ventilation in the north central and northwest mountains. A ridge of high pressure aloft will build across NM Tuesday into Wednesday with drier condtions expected. Minimum relative humidity Tuesday will range from 5 to 10 percent south of I-40 and 10 to 25 north of I-40. West winds will be mainly light, but could peak near 20 mph in FWZ107 in the afternoon, where a few hours of critical fire weather conditions will be possible. Relative humidity will edge upward on Wednesday and winds will become lighter, yielding few fire weather concerns. Ventilation rates Tuesday will be fair to good and on Wednesday will be good to excellent. A weak upper level trough will move into AZ on Thursday causing winds to increase east of the central mountains with critical fire weather conditions possible across portions of the eastern plains. A Pacific cold front will move into western NM Friday. Mild and breezy to low-end windy conditions across the eastern plains Friday afternoon will result in a higher chance for critical fire weather conditions. Ventilation rates Thursday and Friday will be good to excellent. Breezy west winds on Saturday and continued dry conditions will pose the possibility of more critical fire weather condtions for the eastern plains during the afternoon and early evening hours. 28 && .ABQ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... High Wind Warning until 1 AM MDT Monday for the following zones... NMZ515-518-519-521>526-528-529-531>540. Wind Advisory until 9 PM MDT this evening for the following zones... NMZ501>508-511-520. Red Flag Warning until 8 PM MDT this evening for the following zones... NMZ104-108. Wind Advisory until 1 AM MDT Monday for the following zones... NMZ512-527-530. Winter Weather Advisory until midnight MDT tonight for the following zones... NMZ510-513-514. &&
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Albuquerque NM 255 AM MDT Sun Mar 18 2018 NMZ501>540-191200- Northwest Plateau-Chuska Mountains-Far Northwest Highlands- Northwest Highlands-West Central Plateau-West Central Mountains- West Central Highlands-Southwest Mountains- San Francisco River Valley-San Juan Mountains-Jemez Mountains- West Slopes Sangre de Cristo Mountains- Northern Sangre de Cristos above 9500 feet/Red River- Southern Sangre de Cristos above 9500 feet- East Slopes Sangre de Cristo Mountains-Upper Rio Grande Valley- Lower Chama River Valley-Santa Fe Metro Area- Middle Rio Grande Valley/Albuquerque Metro Area- Lower Rio Grande Valley-Sandia/Manzano Mountains-Estancia Valley- Central Highlands-South Central Highlands-Upper Tularosa Valley- South Central Mountains-Raton Ridge/Johnson Mesa- Far Northeast Highlands-Northeast Highlands-Union County- Harding County-Eastern San Miguel County-Guadalupe County- Quay County-Curry County-Roosevelt County-De Baca County- Chaves County Plains-Eastern Lincoln County-Southwest Chaves County- 255 AM MDT Sun Mar 18 2018 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of north and central New Mexico. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight Very strong to potentially damaging southwest to west winds along and south of the Interstate 40 corridor and east of Interstate 25 are possible today into tonight. Winds will become northwesterly by tonight central and east. Strong winds will impact travel on north to south oriented highways and limit visibilities in blowing dust. Accumulating snow is possible for the Chuska, San Juan, Sangre de Cristo and Jemez mountains today and this evening. Critical fire weather conditions will redevelop over the Northeast and East Central Plains this afternoon. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday Strong and gusty northwest to north winds are possible over portions of central and northeast New Mexico Monday morning before tapering off. Gusty winds and critical fire weather conditions could return on Thursday and persist Friday and Saturday over northeast and east central New Mexico. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report wind and snow impacts through the National Weather Service Albuquerque web site at weather.gov/abq or by calling 1.888.386.7637. You can also submit storm reports and photos on our Facebook page or via Twitter using the hashtag nmwx.
20 high wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Sierra Blanca Regional Airport reported peak wind gusts between 58 mph and 62 mph for several hours. Peak sustained winds up to 47 mph were also reported for a short duration during this time.
The Albuquerque Sunport reported a peak wind gust up to 60 mph. Winds were strong enough across the metro area to cause tree damage. One large tree was uprooted near San Pedro and Candelaria. A semi-trailer was also blown over along Interstate 25 near Isleta Pueblo. Many other folks noted tree small limbs broken in several areas of town, including Los Lunas.
The Albuquerque Sunport reported peak sustained winds between 40 mph and 44 mph for several hours. Double Eagle II airport also reported peak sustained winds up to 44 mph.
High winds toppled a large cinder block wall in Rio Rancho.
A ranch several miles southeast of Placitas reported peak wind gusts up to 60 mph.
A public weather station near Madrid reported peak wind gusts up to 65 mph. Sustained winds during this time reached as high as 53 mph.
A spotter in Stanley reported peak wind gusts up to 59 mph. Horses on the spotter's ranch were running around hysterical in the winds.
Clines Corners reported a peak wind gust up to 70 mph.
The Tower RAWS reported a peak wind gust up to 64 mph.
A public weather station a few miles northwest of Nogal reported a peak wind gust up to 58 mph.
A public weather station at the Deer Canyon Preserve reported peak wind gusts up to 63 mph.
A public weather station at Sumner Lake reported peak sustained winds between 40 mph and 45 mph periodically for a few hours.
Clines Corners reported peak sustained winds between 40 mph and 52 mph.
The CSBF Transwestern Pump station reported a peak wind gust up to 62 mph.
The Santa Rosa airport reported a peak wind gust up to 61 mph.
A public weather station in Melrose reported peak sustained winds between 40 mph and 44 mph periodically for a couple hours.
The Tucumcari Municipal airport reported a peak wind gust up to 63 mph.
A public weather station in Glenrio reported a peak wind gust up to 62 mph.
Cannon AFB reported peak wind gusts up to 73 mph.
The Dunken RAWS reported a peak wind gust up to 59 mph.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in New Mexico in 2018Every state in 2018This day in weather historyWarnings in New Mexico, March 2018
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 736866, 736862, 736863, 736864, 736867, 736868, 736869, 736870, 736872, 736873, 736874, 736882, 736871, 736875, 736876, 736877, 736879, 736880, 736878, 736881.