Albuquerque, NM – A severe dust storm is sweeping across parts of New Mexico and Texas, reducing visibility to near zero and making travel extremely hazardous. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple dust storm warnings for Chaves, Luna, Dona Ana, and Otero counties in New Mexico, as well as El Paso County in Texas. The warnings remain in effect until early afternoon Tuesday.
According to the NWS Albuquerque, a large area of blowing dust was reported near Hagerman in Chaves County at 11:28 a.m. MDT. Visibility in the area has dropped to less than a quarter mile, forcing the closure of State Road 2 near Navajo Road. The warning covers parts of U.S. Highway 70 and Highway 285 between mile markers 79 and 96, impacting communities including Dexter, Hagerman, and Lake Arthur.
Meanwhile, the NWS in El Paso has reported hazardous conditions in Luna, Dona Ana, and Otero counties. A fast-moving dust storm was observed over Sunland Park at 11:02 a.m. MDT, traveling northeast at 45 mph. Strong winds exceeding 50 mph are expected to persist, particularly near Interstate 10 and Highway 54, affecting El Paso, Chaparral, and Homestead Meadows. A separate warning for Luna County includes Deming, Columbus, and Cookes Peak, with dust conditions anticipated until at least 1:45 p.m. MDT.
Officials urge motorists to avoid travel if possible. Those caught in a dust storm should pull off the road, turn off vehicle lights, and keep their foot off the brake. The NWS warns that visibility can drop suddenly, making it nearly impossible to stop safely.
Travelers along affected highways should monitor updates from local authorities and delay trips until conditions improve.
