Windstorm Pummels Southern New Mexico

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The windstorm that pummeled El Paso Friday also wreaked havoc in Las Cruces. Whether you loved it or hated it, the winds whipped up a red flag day in the area.

One person we talked to said, “I really don’t like it that much but it’s nice ’cause it’s nice and fresh.”

Another said, “It’s the dust that it breaks up – brings allergies.”

The winds caused trouble for kids shooting some hoops, but they were able to adjust. “Throwin’ it the way the winds blowing – this way – you’d throw it that way and it’ll go in,” said Timothy Hernandez.

Whirlwinds of dirt and sand…blowing in from West Mesa into a thick haze…what you’d hardly recognize as Picacho Hills!

And out on the tarmac at Las Cruces International Airport, all planes were grounded; many were tied down extensively with chains.

Meanwhile, Southwest Medevac wasn’t going anywhere either – the bumpy ride was too much of a risk.