Dust Storm Warning Issued for Luna County, New Mexico; Life-Threatening Travel Conditions Reported
The National Weather Service has issued a Dust Storm Warning for east central Luna County, NM, until 1:00 PM MST, citing near-zero visibility and 45 mph winds.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in El Paso has issued a Dust Storm Warning for east central Luna County in southwestern New Mexico. The alert was triggered following reports from law enforcement of blowing dust significantly reducing visibility in the region.
Affected Areas
The warning specifically covers east central Luna County. Impacted locations include:
- Deming
- Akela
- Sunshine
- Rock Hound State Park
- Deming Ranchettes
- Spring Canyon State Park
Law enforcement has confirmed dangerous conditions south of Deming along Highway 11 and east of Deming along Highway 549.
What You Should Do
Motorists are urged not to drive into a dust storm. The National Weather Service advises: “PULL ASIDE STAY ALIVE!”
- If you encounter a dust storm, safely exit the highway or pull far off the road.
- Place your vehicle in park and turn off all lights.
- Keep your foot off the brake pedal to prevent other drivers from following your tail lights off the road.
- Infants, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory issues should take extra precautions to avoid dust inhalation.
Expected Conditions
Residents and travelers should expect visibility to drop to less than a quarter mile. Winds are expected to reach speeds of up to 45 mph. These conditions create dangerous, life-threatening travel environments where visibility can be lost immediately, making it difficult or impossible to slow down and avoid stopped vehicles.
Timeline
The Dust Storm Warning is effective as of 10:02 AM MST and is scheduled to remain in effect until 1:00 PM MST on February 17, 2026.
Source: NOAA Official Notice