Full Notification

Southwest winds will increase quickly Wednesday morning over much of New Mexico then turn west and northwest by the afternoon as a potent cold front moves through the state. Strong to damaging winds with gusts of 60 to 75 mph are likely Wednesday across much of central and eastern New Mexico. Strong winds will persist into Wednesday evening east of the Interstate 25 corridor before slowly tapering off during the late night hours. A strong backdoor cold front will keep strong northerly winds going over far northeast New Mexico Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Prepare now for potentially damaging winds. Blowing dust may also significantly reduce visibility across parts of eastern New Mexico. The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a High Wind Warning, which is in effect from 9 AM Wednesday to midnight MDT Wednesday night. The High Wind Watch is no longer in effect.

* LOCATION...Much of the Rio Grande Valley eastward across the eastern plains of New Mexico.

* WINDS...West to northwest 40 to 50 mph with gusts ranging from 60 to 75 mph.

* TIMING...Winds will strengthen quickly Wednesday morning, reaching peak speeds during the afternoon, persisting until after sunset Wednesday evening before slowly tapering off.

* VISIBILITY...Locally reduced in areas of blowing dust. Dust prone areas of eastern New Mexico may see visibility below one mile at times.

* LOCAL IMPACTS...Strong crosswinds will create dangerous travel conditions along north to south oriented highways, especially for high profile vehicles. Lightweight objects will become airborne, with wind damage likely occurring to small or weak structures, power lines, trees and vegetation.

* AFFECTED AREAS: SANDIA/MANZANO MOUNTAINS ... ROOSEVELT COUNTY ... SOUTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTOS ABOVE 9500 FEET ... MIDDLE RIO GRANDE VALLEY/ALBUQUERQUE METRO AREA ... EASTERN SAN MIGUEL COUNTY ... CURRY COUNTY ... ESTANCIA VALLEY ... QUAY COUNTY ... GUADALUPE COUNTY ... CHAVES COUNTY PLAINS ... RATON RIDGE/JOHNSON MESA ... DE BACA COUNTY ... EAST SLOPES SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS ... SANTA FE METRO AREA ... WEST CENTRAL HIGHLANDS ... FAR NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS

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.