EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) issued a high wind and travel advisory for this Sunday, April 27, for Southern New Mexico.
NMDOT says travel advisories have been issued for Sunday, with the highest impact for strong winds and blowing dust from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Southern New Mexico.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecasted sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph and peak gusts up to 60 mph, NMDOT said.
NMDOT has also provided some guidelines on how to stay safe if you’re caught in a dust storm.
- Avoid driving into or through a dust storm.
- Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway — do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can.
- If you encounter a dust storm, check traffic immediately around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.
- Do not stop in the roadway; pull completely out of the travel lanes and as far onto the right shoulder as possible.
- Stop the vehicle in a position ensuring it is a safe distance from the main roadway and away from where other vehicles may travel.
- Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers.
- Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.
- Stay in the vehicle with your seat belts buckled and wait for the storm to pass.
- Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds.
NMDOT says it will be monitoring roadway conditions with local law enforcement. Roadway advisories will be posted on www.nmroads.com, or you can dial 511.
Read: Read More