Cedar Crest, NM Severe Weather Alertstar_ratehome

...SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS CREATING VERY GUSTY WINDS THIS
AFTERNOON AND THIS EVENING...

Mid level moisture is increasing in the atmosphere, and this will
lead to the development of high-based showers and thunderstorms
this afternoon into the evening across portions of western and
central New Mexico. Because of very dry air beneath the cloud
bases, much of the rainfall associated with these showers and
thunderstorms will evaporate before reaching the ground. This
evaporating rainfall, or virga, is prone to producing very abrupt
and erratic wind gusts beneath or near any shower or storm
activity.

As showers and weak thunderstorms begin to develop in southwestern
to west central New Mexico this afternoon, they will drift
northeastward through the evening into central parts of the
state, including areas near the Rio Grande valley and the central
mountain chain.

You should remain prepared for sudden wind gusts with this shower
and storm activity. Wind gusts will approach speeds of 50 to 60
mph in some areas with little warning. Be on the lookout for
areas of blowing dust, and be prepared to pull over if driving, as
visibility can drop to zero in dust storms.