Severe Dust Storm Closes Major I-10 Stretch in New Mexico

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — A severe dust storm has closed a 132-mile section of Interstate 10 in New Mexico, triggering travel warnings statewide on Tuesday. The storm forced restrictions from the Arizona state line up to just west of Las Cruces, where hazardous conditions persist.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Albuquerque has issued advisories, warning that visibility in affected areas has fallen below a quarter mile due to blowing dust and strong winds. “Travel is highly discouraged in the Albuquerque metro through this evening,” said the NWS. Winds are expected to reach cross gusts of up to 70 mph on north-south oriented roads.

Authorities in the Albuquerque metro area, including the Los Lunas Police Department, are advising drivers to be cautious, particularly from mile marker 204 to 208 of I-25, where very low visibility conditions are reported. “New Mexico State Police will be assisting by staging officers in the area,” they added, encouraging travelers to delay trips if possible.

In addition to I-10, other roads in southwestern New Mexico have also been closed due to the dust storms, including U.S. Highway 82. In eastern New Mexico, visibility has plummeted to seven miles in locations like Roswell, with some areas near Carlsbad reporting zero visibility.

The NWS has declared a Red Flag warning for the eastern part of the state from noon until 8 p.m. today, citing not only the wind concerns but also increased fire danger due to the dry conditions caused by the storm. Public warnings also highlight that strong winds could persist, with gusts reaching up to 60 mph across regions such as Tucumcari and Santa Rosa. An improvement in conditions is forecasted for the evening as temperatures dip and cooler air settles in, dropping into the 30s and 40s.

Meanwhile, NWS officials have reiterated that if travelers encounter a dust storm, they should not attempt to drive through it. Instead, they advise pulling as far off to the right side of the road as possible, turning off headlights, and keeping feet off the brake to avoid causing a hazard.

As the dust storm continues to affect visibility and air quality, officials are urging caution for those who must be on the roads. Significant weather improvements are anticipated by tomorrow morning.