High Wind Warning Extended Into Sunday Morning
The National Weather Service has issued a new high wind warning for the borderland, beginning midnight Sunday and lasting until 6 a.m.
A blanket of dust enveloped the borderland Saturday, contributing to a major wreck in Southern New Mexico, Fires in West Texas and forcing many to adjust their plans.
After a beautiful Saturday morning, strong winds kicked up at about 4 p.m. as predicted by ABC-7 Stormtrackers.
According to the National Weather Service in Santa Teresa, N.M., all reporting stations across the borderland reported gusts above 40 mph.
A peak gust of 66 mph was reported at the San Agustin Pass.
Reduced visibility became a problem for motorists traveling in southern New Mexico. Five semis were involved in a wreck near Deming, leaving three of them totaled and forcing authorities to shut down I-10.
NM Highway 11 between Deming and Columbus, Highway 180 between Deming and Silver City and NM-26 from Deming to Hatch were also closed in the afternoon due to the hazardous conditions, but were re-opened after 8 p.m.
NMDOT recommends motorists turn on their lights in areas of blowing dust, and pull over if blowing dust prevents them from seeing the road. If you do have to pull off the road, remember to keep your lights out and foot off the break.
Fire danger remains very high. Strong winds fanned flames in a massive 125 sq. mile wildfire near Fort Davis in Jeff Davis county. Firefighters there say the fire is burning out of control and expect extremely difficult conditions Sunday.
In the Sacramento Mountains near Ruidoso, N.M., the White Fire ignited last weekend is now 95 percent contained despite the 60 mph winds. Crews spent the week setting up a perimeter around the fire and continue to patrol the area watching for smoldering hot spots.
Stormtracker Karla Huelga reported that winds would diminish overnight, but will kick up again Sunday. Wind speeds of 20 to 30 mph were expected between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., gusting to 45 mph.
Tune in to ABC-7’s Stormtrack 24/7 Channel for continuous updates on the changing weather conditions on channel 7.3, Time Warner 367 and Comcast 204.
