The second winter storm to bring widespread high wind damages and a snow squall to northern and central NM within the span of a week arrived on February 26, 2023. Incredibly strong winds impacted near all areas of the state with the exception of the northwestern quarter of New Mexico.
Every event with a place to put it; 57 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.
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.
The second winter storm to bring widespread high wind damages and a snow squall to northern and central NM within the span of a week arrived on February 26, 2023. Incredibly strong winds impacted near all areas of the state with the exception of the northwestern quarter of New Mexico. Peak gusts of 60 to 70 mph were common, with the strongest gusts reaching 80 to 95 mph recorded near Magdalena, the Estancia Valley, Tucumcari, Roswell, and Clovis. Wind damage in the form of downed trees and power polls were reported in Albuquerque, Clovis, Roswell, and Hagerman. High winds continued overnight into the morning of February 27, 2023 for an isolated area in western Guadalupe County. Meanwhile, winter weather impacted parts of western and central NM in the form of a snow squall that brought a brief period of strong gusty winds and near zero visibility from blowing snow.
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 Feb 26, 2:15 AM MST, 4 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Albuquerque NM 215 AM MST Sun Feb 26 2023 ...New SYNOPSIS, SHORT TERM, LONG TERM, FIRE WEATHER... .SYNOPSIS... Issued at 210 AM MST Sun Feb 26 2023 A powerful storm will bring strong to damaging winds and snow to the state Sunday. Wind gusts up to 75 mph in central and eastern New Mexico will produce blowing dust and create hazardous crosswinds on N-S oriented roads. Brief periods of heavy snow and blowing snow will occur along a gusty cold front that will cross the state during the day. Breezy to windy conditions will continue into early next week in eastern New Mexico. Northern mountain snow is possible as early as Tuesday, but more widespread precipitation arrives on Wednesday and Thursday with another Pacific storm system. && .SHORT TERM... (Today through Monday) Issued at 210 AM MST Sun Feb 26 2023 The upper low is turning inland over SoCal and is accelerating eastward per the latest water vapor satellite imagery. The upper low was analyzed at 538dam at 500mb and the 00Z Vandenberg, CA upper air sounding showed an impressive -33C at 500mb. Strong winds rounding the base of the upper low will plow over NM today as the upper low moves along the NM/CO border. The winds will be especially strong along/east of the central mountain chain thanks in part to a deepening lee side trough, with a lee side low over southeast CO forecast down to near 988mb. A frontal band of precipitation (mostly snow) will race east across western NM this morning per the latest HRRR and HREF, then continue across the Sangre De Cristos and Sandia/Manzano mountains and the adjacent eastern highlands from mid day through the afternoon hours. Blowing snow is likely and Snow Squall Warnings may become necessary. Not to be outdone by the strong to damaging winds and blowing snow, but areas of blowing dust are likely across eastern NM, especially across the southeast and east central plains this afternoon. No changes to the current winter and wind highlights are necessary at this time. Strong to potentially damaging winds will persist along/east of the central mountain chain through the evening hours on the backside of the departing upper low. Moderate west-southwest flow aloft will prevail Monday, with more downslope winds across eastern NM. A Wind Advisory may be required for the central highlands on Monday. Otherwise, below normal temperatures will prevail Monday across central and western NM, while downslope winds provide above normal temperatures across the eastern plains. && .LONG TERM... (Monday night through Saturday) Issued at 210 AM MST Sun Feb 26 2023 Precipitation chances begin to increase in the Tusas Monday night as Pacific moisture begins to dip down from Colorado into northern New Mexico. Greater chances for accumulating snow occur on Tuesday as an embedded shortwave within the longwave trough over west coast grazes northern New Mexico. While the western half of the state will continue to see below average temperatures during the early part of the week, eastern New Mexico will be breezy to windy and a few degrees above average. The development a low over southeast Colorado on Tuesday afternoon could generated wind gusts of 45 to 55 mph in the northeast so wind highlights may be needed. Around mid-week, a ridge will build over the eastern Pacific and push the trough over the west coast inland. Precipitation chances begin to increase over western New Mexico on Wednesday then spread into central and eastern areas on Thursday. However, there is still some uncertainty with the timing and depth of this storm. EC and CMCE ensemble members show a slightly more progressive trough that would be out of New Mexico by Thursday afternoon while the GFS and its ensemble members show a deeper and slower moving trough. Depending on the timing of this system, a backdoor cold front may intrude from the northeast, resulting in some precipitation enhancement on the east slopes of the Sangre de Cristo mountains Thursday. Strong westerly winds are also possible for southern and eastern portions of the CWA. Dry westerly flow will prevail late week with temperatures warming up to around seasonal averages by the weekend. && .AVIATION... (06Z TAFS) Issued at 1028 PM MST Sat Feb 25 2023 A major high wind event will take hold of New Mexico Sunday as a vigorous low pressure system crosses the state. Some locations will begin seeing upper level winds surge up in speed before dawn Sunday with low level wind shear lasting through the mid to late morning hours. As these stronger winds aloft mix down to the surface during the day Sunday, expect widespread gusts of 40 to 60 kt with the lowest speeds found in northwestern New Mexico and highest speeds over eastern areas. Winds will begin out of the south southwest in most locations Sunday morning, abruptly shifting from the west as a Pacific front sweeps in. The front will bring a band of rain that will quickly change to snow over western and central areas, likely in the form of a snow squall that will abruptly reduce visibility to IFR conditions. Blowing dust will also create visibility and vertical visibility reductions, especially in central and eastern New Mexico through the evening Sunday. && .FIRE WEATHER... Issued at 210 AM MST Sun Feb 26 2023 ...RED FLAG WARNING IS NOW EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 PM MST THIS EVENING FOR MUCH OF EASTERN NEW MEXICO DUE TO VERY STRONG WINDS... An upper low and associated cold front will race east across the area today, bringing strong to damaging winds and chances for wetting precipitation that will favor the mountains. Will upgrade the watch to a warning for much of eastern NM today due to strong winds, above normal temperatures and excellent mixing, but humidity will likely not exceed critical threshold. Moderate westerly flow will persist Mon/Tue, bringing stronger downslope winds to eastern NM along with the threat for critical fire weather conditions. Another upper low and cold front combo will approach on Wednesday and move over on Thursday, bringing another round of strong winds and chances for wetting precipitation. Below normal temperatures will prevail behind the cold front Friday, followed by a warming trend through the weekend with winds back on the uptrend. && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... Farmington...................... 41 18 45 25 / 50 5 0 5 Dulce........................... 42 12 40 16 / 80 10 0 10 Cuba............................ 41 16 43 21 / 60 5 0 0 Gallup.......................... 36 16 44 23 / 80 0 0 0 El Morro........................ 35 17 42 20 / 80 5 0 0 Grants.......................... 40 14 47 20 / 50 0 0 0 Quemado......................... 37 16 48 22 / 90 0 0 0 Magdalena....................... 46 23 53 30 / 50 0 0 0 Datil........................... 37 19 49 26 / 70 0 0 0 Reserve......................... 37 13 51 21 / 80 0 0 0 Glenwood........................ 41 22 53 26 / 80 0 0 0 Chama........................... 36 8 33 13 / 90 30 5 20 Los Alamos...................... 43 21 44 26 / 70 5 0 0 Pecos........................... 46 21 45 24 / 80 5 0 0 Cerro/Questa.................... 41 16 39 24 / 60 10 0 0 Red River....................... 35 11 34 15 / 80 20 0 0 Angel Fire...................... 38 10 36 10 / 90 30 0 0 Taos............................ 44 14 42 18 / 60 10 0 0 Mora............................ 46 21 46 22 / 80 20 0 0 Espanola........................ 51 22 49 24 / 70 5 0 0 Santa Fe........................ 47 23 45 25 / 80 5 0 0 Santa Fe Airport................ 49 21 47 24 / 70 5 0 0 Albuquerque Foothills........... 49 27 50 32 / 60 5 0 0 Albuquerque Heights............. 50 25 52 27 / 50 5 0 0 Albuquerque Valley.............. 53 23 54 25 / 50 5 0 0 Albuquerque West Mesa........... 51 24 52 28 / 50 5 0 0 Belen........................... 55 22 57 25 / 40 5 0 0 Bernalillo...................... 52 25 52 27 / 60 5 0 0 Bosque Farms.................... 54 21 55 23 / 40 5 0 0 Corrales........................ 51 25 53 27 / 50 5 0 0 Los Lunas....................... 54 21 55 25 / 40 5 0 0 Placitas........................ 49 25 48 29 / 70 5 0 0 Rio Rancho...................... 50 25 51 28 / 50 5 0 0 Socorro......................... 55 24 59 28 / 40 0 0 0 Sandia Park/Cedar Crest......... 46 24 45 27 / 80 10 0 0 Tijeras......................... 47 23 47 28 / 70 10 0 0 Edgewood........................ 49 23 47 26 / 70 10 0 0 Moriarty/Estancia............... 50 22 48 22 / 70 10 0 0 Clines Corners.................. 49 25 46 24 / 70 10 0 0 Mountainair..................... 48 23 49 27 / 70 5 0 0 Gran Quivira.................... 49 23 50 26 / 70 5 0 0 Carrizozo....................... 53 26 55 35 / 50 5 0 0 Ruidoso......................... 47 28 52 33 / 60 5 0 0 Capulin......................... 58 23 55 24 / 30 5 0 0 Raton........................... 60 20 56 21 / 30 0 0 0 Springer........................ 61 20 57 22 / 30 0 0 0 Las Vegas....................... 55 23 54 25 / 50 0 0 0 Clayton......................... 65 28 63 29 / 20 0 0 0 Roy............................. 60 25 60 27 / 30 0 0 0 Conchas......................... 64 28 65 30 / 40 0 0 0 Santa Rosa...................... 63 30 61 30 / 50 0 0 0 Tucumcari....................... 69 30 67 29 / 30 0 0 0 Clovis.......................... 69 31 63 30 / 20 0 0 0 Portales........................ 70 32 64 30 / 20 0 0 0 Fort Sumner..................... 65 30 63 29 / 30 0 0 0 Roswell......................... 69 28 67 34 / 10 0 0 0 Picacho......................... 62 30 63 38 / 20 0 0 0 Elk............................. 59 30 61 38 / 20 0 0 0 && .ABQ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Wind Advisory from 9 AM this morning to 8 PM MST this evening for NMZ204-216-217. High Wind Warning from 9 AM this morning to 1 AM MST Monday for NMZ212-215-221>240. Red Flag Warning from 11 AM this morning to 7 PM MST this evening for NMZ104-123-125-126. Winter Weather Advisory from 8 AM this morning to 6 PM MST this evening for NMZ202-203-205-206-210-211-213-214. High Wind Warning from 9 AM this morning to 8 PM MST this evening for NMZ207-208-218>220-241. && SHORT TERM...11 LONG TERM....16 AVIATION...11
The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.
56 high wind, 1 winter weather. Local standard time, as filed.
The Magdalena Observatory measured a peak wind gust of 95 mph.
Snow squall reported at Gallup due to visibility down to one quarter statute mile from blowing snow. The NMDOT also reported difficult driving at 10:09 am MST.
The Edgewood SWCD mesonet measured a peak wind gust of 62 mph.
The Sulf White Sands Missile Range mesonet measured a peak wind gust of 69 mph.
The Harry White Sands Missile Range mesonet measured a peak wind gust of 66 mph.
The North Oscura White Sands Missile Range mesonet measured a peak wind gust of 67 mph.
The Estancia CWOP mesonet measured a peak wind gust of 85 mph.
A trained spotter reported trees down from high winds along State Highway 41 just south of Moriarty.
A local news media station shared a report of a train derailment near mile marker 231 along U.S. Highway 60 just east of Willard, NM. State police said one of twent-six cars derailed.
The Raton Municipal Airport ASOS measured a high sustained wind speed of 48 mph.
The Raton Municipal Airport ASOS measured a peak wind gust of 68 mph.
The Las Vegas Airport ASOS measured a peak wind gust of 77 mph.
The Las Vegas Airport ASOS measured a high sustained wind speed of 53 mph.
The Phillips Hill White Sands Missile Range mesonet measured a peak wind gust of 67 mph.
The Clines Corners ASOS measured a peak wind gust of 79 mph.
The Clines Corners ASOS measured a high sustained wind speed of 54 mph.
The Sierra Blanca Airport AWOS measured a peak wind gust of 76 mph.
A public report of downed trees two miles southeast of Alto due to high winds.
A public weather station just south of Capulin measured a peak wind gust of 66 mph.
A public weather station just south of Capulin measured a high sustained wind speed of 48 mph.
A mesonet station southeast of Vaughn measured a high sustained wind speed of 60 mph.
The UP964 ROBSRT mesonet measured a peak wind gust of 63 mph.
The Dunken RAWS measured a high sustained wind speed of 49 mph.
The Dunken RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 77 mph.
The Chupadera RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 63 mph.
The Roswell Industrial Airport measured a high sustained wind speed of 58 mph.
The Roswell Industrial Airport measured a peak wind gust of 84 mph.
The Hagerman Police Department reported multiple trees downed by strong winds and significant damage sustained to metal roof on a residence.
The Hagerman Police Department shared reports of multiple trees downed by strong winds resulting in downed power lines and power outages.
A public report in Roswell was received of a large mature tree fully uprooted and blown down in Roswell on South Richardson Street.
The Albuquerque Sunport ASOS measured a peak wind gust of 75 mph.
The Albuquerque Sunport ASOS measured a high sustained wind speed of 47 mph.
The Belen Regional Airport AWOS measured a peak wind gust of 67 mph.
The public reported an overturned semi-truck on I-25 at Exit 195 north of Belen.
The public reported a roof partially peeled back from high winds.
The Smokey Bear RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 72 mph.
The Clayton Airport ASOS measured a high sustained wind speed of 52 mph.
The Clayton Airport ASOS measured a peak wind gust of 69 mph.
The CWOP GW0819 near mesonet station near Clovis measured a peak wind gust of 90 mph.
Downed power lines started a fire. The fire only lasted about 15 to 20 minutes before it was put out by authorities. Visibility below 1/4 mile in blowing dust. Power outages across Clovis, and interruptions to phone service.
The emergency manager reported wind damages that includes the Curry County Fairgrounds, incurring 2 million dollars of damage. Retractable awning, swamp cooler, rain gutters, portable ticket booths, 40ft rolling chain link gate to the parking lot. Roof damage to the Roy Walker Recreation Center. The city of Clovis incurred about 1 million dollars of damage to the roof of a gym and several smaller facilities.
The Tucumcari Airport ASOS measured a peak wind gust of 83 mph.
The Tucumcari Airport ASOS measured a high sustained wind speed of 61 mph.
The Cannon AFB ASOS measured a peak wind gust of 77 mph.
A public weather station in southeastern Lincoln County measured a high sustained wind speed of 47 mph.
A private weather station KNMRAINS3 measured a peak wind gust of 58 mph.
A private weather station KNMRAINS3 measured a high sustained wind speed of 43 mph.
The Santa Fe Airport ASOS measured a high sustained wind speed of 44 mph.
The Santa Fe Airport ASOS measured a peak wind gust of 60 mph.
The public reported tree limbs down and shingles blown off just southwest of the Sante Fe Airport.
The Santa Rosa Airport AWOS measured a peak wind gust of 64 mph.
The UP441 TCMCRI mesonet station measured a peak wind gust of 70 mph.
The Mountainair RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 59 mph.
The Melrose Gunnery RAWS station measured a peak wind gust of 66 mph.
The Dora mesonet station 2 miles southwest of Dora measured a peak wind gust of 84 mph.
The NMC33 mesonet station south of Ft. Sumner station measured a peak wind gust of 67 mph.
The NMC33 mesonet station south of Ft. Sumner station measured a high sustained wind speed of 52 mph.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in New Mexico in 2023Every state in 2023This day in weather historyWarnings in New Mexico, February 2023
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: 1073425, 1077887, 1073437, 1073435, 1073436, 1073441, 1073438, 1073502, 1073510, 1073454, 1073456, 1073457, 1073458, 1073443, 1073439, 1073440, 1073448, 1073500, 1073451, 1073452, 1073461, 1073447, 1073479, 1073480, 1073445, 1073476, 1073477, 1073495, 1073496, 1073498, 1073431, 1073432, 1073433, 1073503, 1073504, 1073450, 1073459, 1073460, 1073468, 1073490, and more.