Full Notification

West to southwest winds will increase over the Sangre de Cristo mountains this evening and then spread southward across the entire central mountain chain and east of the central mountains to the northeast and east central plains on Thursday. Wind gusts ranging from 50 to 65 mph are likely. Southwest winds ahead of an approaching storm system will increase Friday morning and continue through late Friday afternoon across a wide swath of western and central New Mexico. Wind gusts of 45 to 60 mph will be common Friday with gusts in the higher elevations between 55 and 70 mph. The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a High Wind Warning, which is in effect from 6 PM this evening to 6 PM MST Thursday. The High Wind Watch is no longer in effect.

* LOCATION...Northern and Southern Sangre de Cristos and the East Slopes of the Sangre de Cristos.

* WINDS...West 25 to 40 mph with gusts ranging from 55 to 65 mph tonight and Thursday.

* TIMING...Winds will continue to strengthen this evening and will reach peak speeds on Thursday.

* VISIBILITY...Locally reduced in patches of blowing snow tonight and Thursday.

* LOCAL IMPACTS...Travel on north and south oriented roads may become dangerous tonight and Thursday, especially for high profile vehicles. Damage to weak or light weight structures is possible.

* AFFECTED AREAS: SOUTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTOS ABOVE 9500 FEET ... EAST SLOPES SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS ... NORTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTOS ABOVE 9500 FEET/RED RIVER

Instructions:

Remember, A High Wind Warning means damaging winds are imminent or highly likely. Sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph or gusts of 58 mph or more can lead to property damage.