Strong Winds and Fire Danger Expected in Torrance County

Torrance County and the surrounding region are bracing for extreme weather conditions as a high wind warning and red flag warning take effect this week. The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a high wind warning from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM MDT on Tuesday, with wind speeds reaching 35 to 45 mph and gusts up to 70 mph. These dangerous winds pose a significant risk to power lines, trees, and travel safety, particularly for high-profile vehicles. In addition, blowing dust will make visibility hazardous, particularly in dust-prone areas.

The red flag warning, which signals critical fire weather conditions, will be in effect for the Sandia and Manzano Mountains, including the Estancia Valley, from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday and again from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Tuesday. Southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph on Monday will strengthen on Tuesday, shifting to west winds of 30 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. Humidity levels are expected to plummet, dropping as low as 6% to 10% on Monday and 9% to 19% on Tuesday. These conditions create an extreme fire danger. New fires have the potential to spread rapidly and exhibit long-range spotting and erratic behavior.

Residents in Mountainair and throughout Torrance County should take precautions against the dangerous combination of high winds and low humidity. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged, and fire officials urge extreme caution with any activities that could ignite a fire. Additionally, residents should prepare for possible power outages and avoid unnecessary travel during peak wind hours.

Residents are encouraged to follow updates from the National Weather Service Albuquerque office for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, signing up for emergency alerts through Torrance County’s Department of Emergency Management Code Red system will ensure timely notifications of emergency conditions.