CARLSBAD, N.M. – Drivers along Highway 54 and across southern Lea County could lose visibility within seconds early Tuesday as 55 mph wind gusts whip up dense blowing dust across the region. The combined Wind Advisory and Blowing Dust Advisory take effect at 5 a.m. MST (6 a.m. CST) and remain in place until 10 p.m. MST (11 p.m. CST) Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Midland/Odessa, southwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph will create widespread blowing dust, reducing visibility to between one-quarter and one mile. Sudden gusts may drop visibility to near zero, especially along open stretches of U.S. Highway 54, State Highway 176, and rural oilfield roads in southern Lea County, the Davis Mountains Foothills, and the Van Horn corridor.
High-profile vehicles face the greatest risk of losing control in crosswinds. Drivers should slow down immediately if dust thickens, switch to low-beam headlights, and keep both hands firmly on the wheel. Unsecured outdoor objects may also be blown around.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve late Tuesday night as winds weaken, but additional advisories could be issued if gusts persist into Wednesday.
