Strong winds cause havoc

Strong winds roared through the Borderland this morning, blowing a large truck off of U.S. 54 at the Spaghetti Bowl interchange and knocking down a line of power poles in East El Paso.

The big rig was blown into the left-hand guardrail on the transition road from U.S. 54 South to I-10 East. That’s led to a long backup on U.S. 54 South. Police say it may take until 6 p.m. to clear the truck. It is not currently possible to get to I-10 East from U.S. 54 South.

Drivers coming from Northeast El Paso are advised to exit at Montana and go east to Raynor to get on I-10 East.

Seven power poles blew over along Gateway West, between Eastlake Blvd. and Horizon Blvd. Nearly 500 homes lost electric service for a time. El Paso Electric says repairs may take as long as twelve hours.

Traffic was backed up on Gateway West.

A high wind warning remains in effect until 7 p.m., with winds gusting as high as 50 or 60 miles per hour possible.