Update: High Winds Cause Officials To Close I-10 From Las Cruces To Benson, AZ

EL PASO, Texas – Officials reopened Interstate 10 in New Mexico around 8:30 Wednesday eveningafter strong winds and blowing dust closed it down for several hours.

Officials from the New Mexico Department of Transportation told ABC-7 they are encouraging drivers to remain cautious because visibility is still low, and they aren’t sure how long the interstate will remain open because conditions couldget worse.

The closure begins at the Airport Exit in Las Cruces and continued all the way Bensen, Arizona which is about 43 miles east of Tucson.

High profile vehicles were diverted to the Pan Am parking area on Las Cruces’east side.

Peak wind gusts at Las Cruces International Airport reached 53 mph before 2 p.m.

The bad conditions caused at least one crash near Deming involving five vehicles. There were only minor injuries.

New Mexico Highway 11 between Columbus and Deming,US-180 from the NM 26 Junction to Hurley, NM, and US 180 between Demingand Silver City were also closed, but according to the New Mexico DOT’s webpage, all are now back open.

To view the New Mexico Department of Transportation website, click here.

The Associated Press Contributed to this report.