A severe weather alert, escalated to a Dust Storm Warning, now covers Southern New Mexico and extends into the Borderland region, significantly impacting visibility and travel routes. Authorities report visibility has dropped below 1/4 mile in affected areas, leading to hazardous conditions.
The Dust Storm Warning represents the highest level of alert for blowing dust conditions. Strong winds have kicked up vast amounts of earth, creating a widespread brown-out effect across the landscape.
A key consequence of the extreme conditions includes the shutdown of a major interstate. I-10 between Las Cruces and Deming has been shut down for safety due to the near-zero visibility caused by the dust.
The powerful winds that prompted these warnings began on Thursday, with gusts reaching near 60 mph during the evening hours. While winds are not expected to fully abate overnight, they are forecast to intensify again.
Forecasters predict Good Friday will bring potentially stronger winds than those experienced the day prior. Gusts could reach near 65 mph, ensuring another day of brown-out conditions and limited visibility. Related advisories, including a Wind Advisory and a Blowing Dust Advisory, remain in effect through the afternoon and evening.
The challenging weather pattern is set to continue into Saturday. While slightly cooler, gusty winds near 55 mph are expected, contributing to another afternoon brown-out.
Relief appears to be in sight by Saturday evening, when winds are anticipated to diminish and dust levels should decrease. Conditions are expected to improve substantially for Easter Sunday, which is forecast to be clear with lighter winds.
The beginning of the following week, including Monday and Tuesday, is expected to bring sunshine and warmer temperatures with moderate winds, offering a break from the recent intense dust events. More dust storm warnings were issued Thursday as strong winds made their return to the Borderland, highlighting the persistent nature of this year's dusty conditions in the region.