Southwestern New Mexico Thunderstorm Outflow Dust Events in 2017

This presentation examines the environmental conditions during 2017 in southwestern New Mexico where thunderstorms created numerous weather hazards including highway accidents and fatalities. A stretch of interstate 10 near the Arizona border has been known for extremely low visibility due to blowing dust and is a focus of this presentation. Hazards include extremely low highway visibility, flash flooding, and high winds. One particular thunderstorm outflow event on June 19 caused a multiple car pile-up with several fatalities. Using model predictions from HRRR and Rapid Refresh, satellite imagery, and surface observations we look at the evolution and dynamics of these events. We will also look at the impacts of drought and how it played at role in enhancing the hazards.