Santa Fe, NM – Residents across northern and central New Mexico are being urged to prepare for powerful winds early Monday as the National Weather Service (NWS) in Albuquerque expands its High Wind Warning to include the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Central Highlands, and Guadalupe County.
According to the NWS, the warning is in effect from 2 a.m. to 3 p.m. MDT Monday, with west winds of 30 to 40 mph and gusts reaching up to 60 mph expected across a wide area, including mountain passes and exposed high terrain.
Forecasters say damaging winds could topple trees and power lines, leading to scattered power outages and hazardous driving conditions, especially for high-profile vehicles such as trucks and RVs.
The weather service cautions travelers to use extra care on interstates and mountain roads, where sudden gusts can make steering difficult.
Residents are also advised to secure outdoor objects like patio furniture and decorations before winds strengthen overnight. Conditions are expected to ease gradually Monday evening.
The strong wind pattern is tied to a passing upper-level disturbance that will move across northern New Mexico through the day, ushering in cooler temperatures by Tuesday morning.
