High Wind Warning and Blowing Dust Advisory Issued for El Paso County and White Sands

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM has issued a High Wind Warning and a Blowing Dust Advisory for portions of New Mexico and Texas. The alert indicates a high probability of severe weather conditions that could impact travel and safety.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic regions:

• New Mexico: West Central Tularosa Basin and White Sands.
• Texas: Eastern and Central El Paso County.

Expected Conditions

Residents in the warned areas should prepare for the following conditions:

• Wind: Sustained west winds between 30 and 40 mph, with powerful gusts reaching up to 60 mph.
• Visibility: Blowing dust is expected to reduce visibility to between one-quarter and one mile.
• Hazards: Damaging winds are likely to blow down trees and power lines, leading to widespread power outages. Travel will be difficult, particularly for high-profile vehicles.

Timeline

• High Wind Warning: In effect until 8:00 PM MST this evening, February 17, 2026.
• Blowing Dust Advisory: In effect until 5:00 PM MST this afternoon, February 17, 2026.

What You Should Do

The National Weather Service recommends the following safety measures:

• Motorists: If you encounter blowing dust or sand on the roadway, pull off the road as far as possible and put your vehicle in park. Turn your lights all the way off and keep your foot off the brake pedal to avoid being hit by other drivers. Remember the slogan: “Pull Aside, Stay Alive.”
• At Home: Remain in the lower levels of your home and stay away from windows to avoid injury from falling debris or broken glass. Watch for falling tree limbs.
• Health Precautions: Individuals with respiratory problems should make preparations to stay indoors until the dust clears.
• General Safety: Use extreme caution if you must drive and be prepared for sudden drops in visibility to near zero.