Guadalupe Mountains National Park, TX – Travelers crossing Guadalupe Pass could face dangerous winds Wednesday as powerful gusts sweep across the Guadalupe Mountains, creating hazardous driving conditions through Wednesday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Midland/Odessa, a High Wind Warning is in effect from 10 a.m. MDT (11 a.m. CDT) Wednesday until midnight MDT (1 a.m. CDT Thursday) for the Guadalupe Mountains of West Texas and southeast New Mexico. Forecasters expect west winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts reaching 70 mph, especially along exposed mountain ridges and passes.
The strongest impacts will likely occur along U.S. Highway 62/180 through Guadalupe Pass, where crosswinds often intensify during strong wind events. High-profile vehicles including semi-trucks, vans, and campers could struggle to maintain control on steep mountain stretches.
Blowing dust may also reduce visibility in and around the mountains, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours as winds peak.
Officials urge drivers to delay travel through Guadalupe Pass if possible or plan alternate routes. Those who must travel should use extreme caution and be prepared for sudden gusts that could push vehicles across lanes.
Campers and visitors at Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Pine Springs, and Queen should secure tents, gear, and other loose items before winds strengthen late Wednesday morning.
Wind speeds should gradually decrease overnight after midnight, though breezy conditions could linger into early Thursday.
