Dust storm, high winds impact Las Cruces and southern New Mexico
Road closures, low visibility reported as winds reach 60 mph
Organ Mountain News report
UPDATE (11:24 a.m.): This story has been updated to note that LCPS school bus schedules may be delayed or impacted by the dust storm.
LAS CRUCES - High winds and blowing dust are affecting parts of southern New Mexico, prompting warnings from state agencies and the National Weather Service. Wind gusts of up to 60 mph have been reported, leading to road closures and hazardous travel conditions.
Dust storm warning issued for Las Cruces
The National Weather Service has issued a dust storm warning for Las Cruces and surrounding areas until 10 a.m. Monday. At 8:58 a.m., meteorologists detected a wall of dust stretching from 13 miles southeast of Faywood to four miles south of Deming to 12 miles northwest of Hermanas. The storm was moving east at 55 mph, with visibility expected to drop to less than a quarter mile in some areas.
Affected highways include:
- Interstate 10 from mile markers 82 to 156
- Interstate 25 from mile markers 1 to 24
- Highway 70 from mile markers 150 to 166
The National Weather Service warns that dust storms can create dangerous driving conditions. Motorists are advised to avoid driving through dust storms. If caught in one, drivers should pull off the road, turn off their lights and keep their foot off the brake.
Road closures in southwest New Mexico
The New Mexico Department of Transportation has closed portions of Interstate 10 due to reduced visibility. Westbound lanes are closed at exit 132, with all traffic being diverted back to Las Cruces.
Additional road closures include:
- I-10 eastbound from mile marker 80 to mile marker 132
- NM 11 northbound and southbound from mile marker 13 to mile marker 34 (Columbus)
Last week, the department issued a travel advisory for southwest New Mexico, warning that strong winds and blowing dust could affect roadways.
“If you must travel, we recommend you monitor local forecast conditions prior to starting your trip and visit nmroads.com for current roadway information,” the advisory stated.
Drivers are encouraged to delay travel if possible and to pull off the road if visibility becomes poor.
LCPS advises parents and students to prepare for potential delays
Blowing dust and high winds across southern New Mexico may affect school bus routes for Las Cruces Public Schools, potentially causing delays for student transportation.
District officials have advised parents and students to expect possible disruptions due to reduced visibility and hazardous road conditions. The New Mexico Department of Transportation has already reported road closures and low visibility in the region, which could impact bus schedules.
LCPS encourages families to monitor district communications for updates and allow extra time for travel as conditions may change throughout the day.