CARLSBAD, N.M. – Crosswinds strong enough to shove tractor-trailers off course will sweep across southeast New Mexico and far West Texas by daybreak Tuesday, slashing visibility to as little as a quarter-mile in blowing dust. The threat begins at 5 a.m. MST (6 a.m. CST) and lasts until 10 p.m. MST (11 p.m. CST).
According to the National Weather Service in Midland/Odessa, a High Wind Warning remains in effect for Eddy County Plains, Central and Northern Lea counties, and eastern Culberson County. Southwest winds will range from 30 to 40 mph, with gusts reaching 65 mph. At the same time, a Blowing Dust Advisory covers the same region, where sudden gusts could drop visibility to near zero along U.S. 62/180, U.S. 285, and State Highway 128.
High-profile vehicles such as campers, vans, and semis face the highest rollover risk. Drivers should slow immediately if dust thickens, switch to low-beam headlights, and increase following distance. Loose outdoor items may become airborne. Pilots of low-flying light aircraft near the Guadalupe and Davis Mountains should expect severe turbulence.
Winds gradually ease late Tuesday night, but additional advisories could follow if gusts persist into Wednesday.
