The National Weather Service in El Paso has issued a series of advisories warning residents of Southern New Mexico and Far West Texas about extreme weather conditions expected today, including gusty winds, blowing dust, and critical fire dangers which are stirring up more than just the dry soil of the region.
El Paso and surrounding areas are bracing for a windstorm that could see southwest winds whipping up to 40 mph, with potential gusts reaching a staggering 60 mph, this high wind scenario, paired with an abundance of dry, dusty earth, has prompted a Blowing Dust Advisory effective 11 AM through to 8 PM MDT tonight, with visibility predicted to teeter on the dangerous edge of a quarter mile, a scenario that could leave drivers blind to the road ahead and power lines vulnerable to the unrelenting forces of nature. Residents are encouraged to stay inside, especially those with respiratory illnesses, as these conditions can exacerbate health issues, and anyone caught in the dusty onslaught should “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” by turning off all vehicle lights and avoiding the brake pedal if they pull over.
In addition to the wind and dust, a Red Flag Warning is in place today from 11 AM to 9 PM MDT, indicative of “critical to extreme” fire conditions due to the powerful winds, low relative humidity which is sinking to as low as 5 percent, and bone-dry fuels, this dangerous mix could translate to rapid spread should any fires ignite, and officials advise strongly against any outdoor burning activities, according to the National Weather Service…