Alamogordo NM
10-10-2023 4:01pm

National Weather Service Wind Advisory

The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory on Oct 10 for Sacramento Mountains above 7500 ft.

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM WEDNESDAY TO 8 PM MDT

THURSDAY...

* WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 50 mph  expected.

* WHERE...West Slopes Sacramento Mountains Below 7500 Feet,

Sacramento Mountains Above 7500 Feet, East Slopes Sacramento

Mountains Below 7500 Feet and Otero Mesa.

* WHEN...From 9 PM Wednesday to 8 PM MDT Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result...

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.  

Generally, the Sacramentos are divided into two regions: the main, northern section, and the smaller southeastern section. The northern section contains most of the land area in the range, including a portion of the Lincoln National Forest and the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation. Several northern Sacramento summits reach over 7,500 feet, including Lookout Mountain, Buck Mountain, White Horse Hill, and Nogal Peak.

The northern Sacramento Mountains also contain the Sierra Blanca subrange, a set of volcanic peaks that stretch for 40 miles north to south. Sierra Blanca, or White Peak, is not only the tallest in the Sacramento Mountains, it also has the highest prominence in New Mexico. Sierra Blanca is sacred to the Mescalero Apache and the summit lies on the Mescalero Indian Reservation.

The southern Sacramentos are a little less awe-inspiring, at least in terms of impressive peaks. Neighboring the Guadalupe Mountains, the southern Sacramentos contain mostly low-elevation hills and, looking east, it’s hard to discern one summit from another. The southern Sacramentos rise gently, dropping west into the Tularosa Plain. The two most iconic landmarks in the southern Sacramentos are the National Solar Observatory in Sunspot and the Apache Point Observatory.

The National Weather Service issues a number of Watches, Warnings and other products to alert the public about high wind events.

  • High Wind Warning: Take Action! Sustained, strong winds with even stronger gusts are happening. Seek shelter. If you are driving, keep both hands on the wheels and slow down. NWS offices issue this product based on local criteria.
  • High Wind Watch: Be Prepared! Sustained, strong winds are possible. Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside. NWS offices issue this product based on local criteria.
  • Wind Advisory: Take Action! Strong winds are occurring but are not so strong as to warrant a High Wind Warning. Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving. NWS offices issue this product based on local criteria.
  • Dust Storm Warning: Take Action! A Dust Storm Warning is issued when visibility of 1/2 mile or less due to blowing dust or sand, and wind speeds of 30 miles an hour or more
  • Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Be Prepared! A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued when severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. Winds 58 mph or higher and/or hail 1inch or larger are possible in a severe thunderstorm. Secure items outdoors that may blow around in high winds. Stay informed and be ready to take action.
  • Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Take Action! A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued when severe thunderstorms is happening or is imminent in the warning area. Severe thunderstorms have wind 58 mph or higher and/or hail 1 inch or larger. Seek shelter inside a sturdy building, away from windows.
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