Raton Ridge/Johnson Mesa Severe Watches & Warnings NOAA Weather Radio

... High wind watch in effect from Wednesday evening through
Thursday afternoon... 

The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a high
wind watch, which is in effect from Wednesday evening through
Thursday afternoon. 

* Location... much of eastern New Mexico, including the Raton
  ridge/Johnson Mesa, far northeast Highlands, Union, Harding,
  Quay, Curry, and Roosevelt counties, as well as the Chaves 
  County plains.

* Winds... sustained at 35 to 45 mph from the north and northwest
  with occasional gusts to 60 mph. Gusts could even approach 70 
  mph in parts of northeastern New Mexico.

* Timing... winds will increase Wednesday evening as a cold front
  slides southward. Winds will likely reach peak intensity during
  the frontal passage, but will remain strong to damaging into the
  day Thursday, gradually relaxing toward sunset.

* Visibility... light snow will accompany the frontal passage, and
  areas of blowing snow will reduce visibility to less than a mile
  at times.

* Local impacts... strong cross winds are expected on both west-
  to-east oriented and southwest-to-northeast oriented roads, and
  difficult driving conditions are anticipated, especially for
  high profile vehicles. Gusts in excess of 60 mph could produce
  damage to some trees and structures.

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.