Carlsbad, New Mexico – Damaging west winds up to 60 mph will hit the Eddy County Plains and eastern Culberson County by late morning Friday, creating hazardous travel through 6 p.m. MST.
According to the National Weather Service in Midland/Odessa, a High Wind Warning takes effect at 10 a.m. MST in southeast New Mexico and 11 a.m. CST in west Texas. Sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph will gust to 60 mph in Carlsbad, Artesia and surrounding areas. In the Guadalupe Mountains, including Guadalupe Pass and Guadalupe Mountains National Park, winds will intensify to 35 to 55 mph with gusts up to 75 mph and continue until 11 p.m. MST / midnight CST.
High-profile vehicles face rollover risk.
Drivers along US-62/180 through Guadalupe Pass and US-285 near Carlsbad should expect crosswinds strong enough to push vehicles across lanes. Blowing dust may reduce visibility below one mile at times, especially on open stretches of highway. Aviation near the Guadalupe Mountains may encounter severe turbulence and strong downdrafts.
What residents should do now: Secure outdoor objects and delay travel through mountain passes until winds subside.
Winds gradually ease late Friday night, first across the plains and later in the higher elevations. High Wind Warnings remain in effect until 6 p.m. MST on the plains and until 11 p.m. MST in the mountains.
