Dust Storm Warning Issued for Grant and Luna Counties in New Mexico

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM has issued a Dust Storm Warning for portions of southwestern New Mexico. The alert is effective immediately and remains in place until 3:00 PM MST.

Affected Areas

The warning covers southeastern Grant County and central Luna County. Impacted locations include:

• Deming
• Akela
• Gage
• Sunshine
• Rock Hound State Park
• Deming Ranchettes
• Spring Canyon State Park

Travelers on Interstate 10 throughout Luna County and Highway 11 south of Deming are specifically advised of hazardous conditions.

What You Should Do

Motorists are urged to avoid driving into dust storms. If you are caught in a storm, the NWS recommends the “Pull Aside, Stay Alive!” protocol:

• Pull your vehicle far off the road.
• Turn off all vehicle lights.
• Put the vehicle in park and keep your foot off the brake.
• Infants, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory issues should take extra precautions to avoid dust inhalation.

Expected Conditions

According to reports from the New Mexico State Police, blowing dust is currently present over Deming and along the I-10 corridor. Hazards include:

• Visibility: Reduced to less than a quarter mile, with sudden drops to near zero.
• Wind: Strong winds gusting between 40 and 50 mph.
• Impact: Dangerous and life-threatening travel conditions.

Timeline

The Dust Storm Warning was issued at 1:08 PM MST on February 18 and is scheduled to expire at 3:00 PM MST.