West Central Mountains

High Wind Watch
Statement as of 3:03 PM MDT on May 22, 2012

... High wind watch remains in effect from Wednesday morning
through Wednesday evening...

* location... the northwestern quadrant of New Mexico as well as
the middle Rio Grande Valley... the Sandia... Manzano... and
Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

* Winds... sustained west southwest winds of 30 to 40 mph with
occasional gusts to 55 and 60 mph.

* Timing... winds will strengthen through the late morning and
early afternoon Wednesday... peaking by the mid to late
afternoon. Winds are expected to decrease below hazardous
thresholds by mid evening.

* Visibility... reductions as low as 1 mile can be expected in
dust prone areas such as open fields and ongoing construction
sites.

* Local impacts... areas of blowing dust and strong cross winds
on northwest to southeast oriented roads will create
treacherous driving conditions. Severe gusts may cause damage
to roof tops... utility poles... and some trees.

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

Remember... a high wind watch means conditions are favorable for a
potentially damaging high wind event in and close to the watch
area. Sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph or gusts of 58 mph
or more can lead to property damage. Monitor the latest forecasts
at weather.Gov/abq... listen to NOAA Weather Radio or your
favorite media outlet.



Shy



Fire Weather Warning, Fire Weather Watch
Statement as of 7:58 PM MDT on May 22, 2012

... Red flag warning remains in effect from 10 am to 11 PM MDT
Wednesday...
... Fire Weather Watch remains in effect from Thursday morning
through Thursday evening...
... Red flag warning will expire at 8 PM MDT this evening...

A red flag warning remains in effect from 10 am to 11 PM MDT
Wednesday. A Fire Weather Watch remains in effect from Thursday
morning through Thursday evening.

* Area and timing... northwest Highlands... northeast Highlands...
Sandia and Manzano and Gallinas Mountains. On Wednesday critical
conditions will develop by mid morning... then persist through
the late evening hours. An area of extreme critical fire
conditions are possible along and immediately east of the
Sandia/Manzano Mountains and over portions of the northwest
plateau. On Thursday... critical conditions are possible by
midday for this same area before diminishing around sunset.

* 20 foot winds... southwest to west winds 25 to 40 mph with
occasional gusts between 45 and 60 mph Wednesday. West winds 20
to 35 mph with gusts to around 45 or 50 mph Thursday.

* Relative humidity... minimums between 5 and 10 percent Wednesday
and Thursday.

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the
field of this red flag warning.

Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in the
field of this Fire Weather Watch.








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