EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A travel advisory has been issued for Monday, May 19, due to strong winds and blowing dust expected to impact Southern New Mexico, according to the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT).
NMDOT says strong winds and blowing dust are expected from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecasted sustained wind speeds of 25 mph to 35 mph and peak gusts to up to 50 mph, NMDOT said.
Those who must travel are recommended to monitor local forecast conditions before driving.
NMDOT has also provided some safety guidelines for those who get caught in a dust storm. Those are the following:
- 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.
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