Dust Storm — Eddy County Plains, New Mexico

2025-03-18 · Eddy County Plains, New Mexico

Event narrative

Eddy County local law enforcement reported at least 13 vehicle accidents, mainly on US Highway 25. Approximately 30 to 40 vehicles were involved in all accidents. Injuries were reported, but no further information was provided. Blowing dust along US Highway 285 caused by high winds between 60 and 80 MPH reduced visibility to near zero for several hours. The time and amount of property damage are estimates for all events.

Wider weather episode

An intense trough digging into the Four Corners region with rapid cyclogenesis over eastern Colorado produced high winds and blowing dust across much of the southern Great Plains.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1243278. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.