Albuquerque, NM – Drivers across central and eastern New Mexico face dangerous travel conditions within the next 24 hours as strong winds and storms begin to ramp up this afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, scattered thunderstorms will develop between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. today across north central and eastern parts of the state, including Santa Rosa, Tucumcari, Clovis, and Roswell. Some storms may produce wind gusts up to 60 mph along with brief heavy rainfall.
Rainfall totals will generally range from 0.25 to 0.50 inches, with isolated amounts near 1.25 inches possible in stronger storms across the eastern plains. While this will provide much-needed moisture, lightning strikes could still spark new fires west of the central mountain chain.
The bigger impact arrives Monday into Tuesday. Wind gusts are expected to reach 45 to 55 mph across northeast and east central New Mexico, including areas near Raton and Clayton, with 30 to 45 mph gusts common elsewhere, including Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
These winds could create hazardous crosswinds along I-25 and I-40, especially for high-profile vehicles. Blowing dust may reduce visibility late in the afternoon, and fire spread risk will increase in dry areas.
Conditions remain active into Tuesday, with additional advisories likely as wind and storm threats continue.
