Parts of New Mexico are holding on to calmer weather this afternoon. This will change later tonight as our next storm system moves in.
A strong spring storm is on its way to New Mexico this afternoon. The first impact will be the winds. Strong gusts upwards of 75 mph are forecasted across southern, central, and eastern New Mexico. These strong gusts will move in this afternoon and last through Friday. The National Weather Service has issued several alerts regarding the winds. These alerts will be in place through Friday March 14th.
The strong winds across southern and eastern New Mexico is leading to high fire risks. Southern and eastern New Mexico are under critical fire weather today and tomorrow. Red Flag warnings for these areas have been issued by the National Weather Service. The first round is in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday March 13th. The second round will go into effect Friday March 14th.
As the strong spring storm moves in tonight, it will be bringing snow and rainfall across most of the state. Most of the precipitation during this storm will be falling overnight and clearing during the daylight hours. Upwards of 17″ of snow is possible in the mountains. The National Weather Service has issued several winter weather alerts. These alerts will be in effect through Friday March 14th.
This storm system could also impact travel tonight through Friday. Northwestern New Mexico could see road closures due to blowing snow and snow squalls. Additionally, Blowing Dusts Storms in the southwest could bring additional road closures. The mountains roads and passes are also at risk for impacts.