Carlsbad, NM – Drivers and pilots near the Texas-New Mexico border should prepare for extremely dangerous wind conditions Monday as gusts could reach 70 mph in the Guadalupe Mountains and surrounding areas.
According to the National Weather Service in Midland/Odessa, a High Wind Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. MDT (noon CDT) to 10 p.m. MDT (11 p.m. CDT) Monday for the Guadalupe Mountains of Eddy County, Eastern Culberson County, Davis Mountains, and adjacent plains. Sustained winds between 30 and 40 mph with higher gusts are expected, especially above 7,000 feet.
The most intense winds will hammer areas such as Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Queen, Pine Springs, and Fort Davis. Blowing dust could sharply reduce visibility on highways, especially U.S. Route 62/180 and State Highway 118. Travel will be hazardous for high-profile vehicles, and low-flying aircraft may encounter severe turbulence near mountain slopes.
Officials advise delaying travel in mountainous regions and avoiding unnecessary driving during the warning period. Pilots should use extreme caution when flying near rugged terrain.
Winds are expected to weaken late Monday night, but additional wind advisories are possible Tuesday as systems continue to push across the region.
