Full Notification

A strengthening storm system will approach New Mexico late today, bringing in a fast-moving surface cold front through western New Mexico. Strong winds will develop this evening and will peak as the cold front moves in from the northwest into the middle Rio Grande Valley by midnight tonight. Occasional wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph will be common in the vicinity of the cold front, and some higher mountain peaks of central and southern New Mexico could observe a few gusts close to 70 mph. Meanwhile, very strong north winds are expected across the eastern plains as a second surface cold front plows from north to south tonight, with strong winds lasting through Thursday afternoon. Wind gusts along and behind the second cold front will peak between 50 and 60 mph, with a few higher gusts possible. Very strong cross winds will create dangerous driving conditions, and could cause damage to utility poles, roof tops, and any frail structures. The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a High Wind Warning, which is in effect from 10 PM this evening to 5 PM MST Thursday. The High Wind Watch is no longer in effect.

* LOCATION...Much of eastern New Mexico, including the Raton Ridge/Johnson Mesa, Far Northeast Highlands, Union, Harding, Quay, Curry, and Roosevelt counties.

* WINDS...Sustained at 35 to 45 mph from the north with occasional gusts to 60 mph. Gusts could even approach 65 mph in parts of northeastern New Mexico.

* TIMING...Winds will increase by 9 pm through midnight reaching peak intensity during and just behind the frontal passage, and will remain strong to damaging into the day Thursday, gradually relaxing toward Thursday evening.

* VISIBILITY...Light snow will accompany the frontal passage, and areas of blowing snow will reduce visibility to less than a mile at times.

* LOCAL IMPACTS...Strong cross winds are expected on both west- to-east oriented and southwest-to-northeast oriented roads, including the I-40 and U.S. Highways 64, 54, 84, and 70 corridors near the Texas border. Dangerous driving conditions are anticipated, especially for high profile vehicles. Gusts in excess of 60 mph could produce damage to some trees and structures.

* AFFECTED AREAS: ROOSEVELT COUNTY ... RATON RIDGE/JOHNSON MESA ... HARDING COUNTY ... UNION COUNTY ... FAR NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS ... QUAY COUNTY ... CURRY COUNTY

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.