Tropical storm force winds complicate Thanksgiving travel in two states

Strong winds will blow through Colorado and New Mexico on Tuesday, creating difficult road conditions for Thanksgiving travelers.

Nearly 80 million people will travel for Thanksgiving this year, the AAA said, with Tuesday and Wednesday expected to be the busiest travel days. However, bad weather could disrupt those heading to their families.

On Tuesday morning, National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists issued a strong wind warning for southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. Wind gusts are similar to a tropical storm and could cause dangerous conditions for drivers.

The winds are caused by the remnants of an atmospheric river that hit California earlier this week, said NWS meteorologist Carter Greulich Newsweek.

The system was “severely weakened” so the heavy moisture that flooded California did not pose a threat to the inland states. However, as the system moved east, it contributed to a “pretty strong upper level current” that caused the strong winds, Greulich said.

New Mexico

There are three separate high wind warnings in New Mexico, all issued by the NWS office in Albuquerque.

The first rule will remain in effect for the north, south and east slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Johnson and Bartlett Plateaus, including Raton Pass, until 8 a.m. local time Wednesday morning.

Westerly winds are expected between 30 and 40 mph, with gusts up to 65 mph, equivalent to a tropical storm at 39 mph and 73 mph.

“Damaging winds will down trees and power lines,” the warning states. “Widespread power outages are to be expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.”

A further strong wind warning comes into effect for the Northeast Highlands from Tuesday night to Wednesday morning at 8 p.m. local time. West winds are expected to be between 35 and 45 mph, with gusts up to 70 mph.

“Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Be particularly careful,” the warning reads.

The third high wind warning is in effect for the Far Northeast Highlands for the same period.

Colorado

The NWS office in Pueblo, Colorado, also issued a high wind warning Tuesday morning. It remains in effect until 5 p.m. local time on Tuesday for Huerfano County and western Las Animas County.

West winds are expected to be between 30 and 40 mph, with gusts up to 65 mph.

“Strong crosswinds on Interstate 25 from Walsenburg to the New Mexico border could overturn light and high-profile vehicles,” the warning said.

Winds could return to the region on Saturday, Greulich said, although they will be “nowhere near” the strong winds that swept the region on Tuesday.