Meteorologists with the National Weather Service (NWS) are warning approximately 1 million residents in Texas to stay on lower levels of their homes and avoid being near windows as strong winds and dust blow through the Lone Star state.
Why It Matters
The abnormally powerful winds come as most of the central United States faces an elevated risk of wildfires due to dry conditions. Red flag warnings about wildfires reach from South Dakota to Texas. High wind warnings and flying dust advisories are also in effect.
The powerful winds came after devastating storms ripped through the United States over the weekend, killing at least 39 people.
What To Know
The NWS offices in Amarillo and El Paso issued high wind warnings and blowing dust advisories on Monday.
In the El Paso forecast region, winds are blowing between 35 and 45 miles per hour, with gusts up to 70 mph, which is tropical storm strength. In Amarillo, west winds are blowing between 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph.
In Amarillo, the high wind warning will go into effect on Tuesday morning and last until the early hours of Wednesday morning. The wind warning is in place for the following areas:
- Dumas
- Wildorado
- Dalhart
- Borger
- Dawn
- Canyon
- Amarillo
- Hartley
- Panhandle
- Stratford
- White Deer
- Buffalo Lake
- Gruver
- Washburn
- Skellytown
- Guymon
- Bootleg
- Bushland
- Hereford
- Claude
- Channing
- Goodnight
- Ware
- Spearman
- Pantex
- Palo Duro Canyon State Park
- Wayside
- Romero
- Umbarger
- Masterson
- Keyes
- Four Way
- Boise City
- Vega
- Conlen
- Boys Ranch
In El Paso, a blowing dust advisory will go into effect on Tuesday at noon local time and remain in place until 9 p.m.
Blowing dust can become so thick at times that visibility will be reduced to one-quarter mile.
What People Are Saying
In a high wind warning, NWS Amarillo advised: “Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm and avoid windows.” Keep an eye out for any falling debris or tree limbs. If you must drive, use caution.
NWS El Paso issued a blowing dust advisory, stating that “damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines.” Widespread power outages are possible. Travel may be challenging, particularly for high-profile cars. Driving conditions are hazardous owing to restricted visibility.
The notice added: “Persons with respiratory difficulties should plan to stay indoors until the storm passes. Prepare for a dramatic loss in visibility to near zero. If you encounter flying dust or sand on the road or see it approaching, pull off as far as possible and park your vehicle. Turn the lights completely off and keep your foot off the brake pedal.”
What Happens Next?
NWS meteorologist Luigi Meccariello told Newsweek that peak winds will hit on Tuesday during the afternoon. Looking forward, breezy conditions are expected throughout the week.
