Full Notification

..STRONG WEST WINDS TO IMPACT CENTRAL AND EASTERN NEW MEXICO SATURDAY MAINLY ALONG AND SOUTH OF INTERSTATE 40... .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 central high terrain and 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. The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a High Wind Warning, which is in effect from 2 AM to 5 PM MST Saturday. The High Wind Watch is no longer in effect.

* 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...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.

* AFFECTED AREAS: CHAVES COUNTY PLAINS ... SOUTHWEST CHAVES COUNTY ... ROOSEVELT COUNTY ... SOUTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS ... DE BACA COUNTY ... GUADALUPE COUNTY ... EASTERN LINCOLN COUNTY ... QUAY COUNTY ... CENTRAL HIGHLANDS ... 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.