NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Many drivers were stranded across the state after hazardous winds tore through New Mexico. Tuesday’s dust storm left a trail of destruction.
“We were just hoping that everyone was okay. You know, we were very shocked,” said Alex Matthew, a New Mexico resident who was traveling home on Tuesday.
Dangerous winds and blinding dust spread across New Mexico on Tuesday. Travelers making their way on I-40 outside of Santa Rosa on their way home to Albuquerque even dealt with crashes. “We noticed that it wasn’t sand anymore, that it was smoke…we started seeing fire on the side of the road. All the grass on both sides of the highway and the median were fully in flames,” said Matthews.
Matthews also recounted seeing ambulances and fire trucks heading to the scene. “This is definitely the most intense dust storm I’ve seen in New Mexico, and I’ve lived here my whole life,” said Matthews.
“The wind just brings in so many dangers,” said Ami Evans, New Mexico Department of Transportation.
During the peak of this wind storm Tuesday afternoon, downtown Albuquerque was barely visible. The Sandia Mountains were not visible. The entire city was surrounded by a cloud of dust. “We knew it was going to be bad today,” said Evans.
According to NMDOT, roads were closed across the state. “We have the entire interstate from the Arizona state line all the way to Las Cruces shut down. That’s 132 miles of roadways we have shut down right now in this area. And it’s just it’s for the safety of the traveling public,” said Evans.
“When we have a brownout situation like we do today, there’s times where you cannot see past the hood of your car. It just literally stops all vision in front of you,” said Evans.
If you are ever stuck in a storm like this, NMDOT suggests these best practices, “Pulling off. Putting your parking brake on. Getting your foot off the brake so we don’t have the lights where people think that’s where traffic is, and then constantly wearing your seatbelt just in case you were to be in an accident.”
The village of Ruidoso is also picking up the pieces after the strong winds blew this tin roof off a house. The village said they are also dealing with power outages, fallen trees, and road closures.
“During high winds and blowing dust like we experienced today, we advise folks to limit their time and avoid exercising outdoors, especially if they have respiratory conditions such as asthma, heart and lung disease. Schools and senior centers may want to provide indoor activities to minimize exposure to the elevated dust and particulate levels outdoors. While inside, keep your windows and doors closed. If needed for comfort use air conditioners or heating systems on the recycle/recirculate setting.”
Tim Walsh, City of Albuquerque