Dust Storm — Southeast Tularosa Basin, New Mexico

2025-03-18 · Southeast Tularosa Basin, New Mexico

Event narrative

Otero County Emergency Manager reported US 54 was closed in both directions about 6 miles south of Boles Acres due to a pile up involving 5 semi-trucks. This accident was due to visibilities near zero in the area. Three people were transported to the hospital with injuries due to the accident.

Wider weather episode

A strong upper low was moving across the Rockies with an associated cold front at the surface moving through the Borderland. Winds ahead and just behind the cold front brought gusts up to 101 mph. The strong winds created several areas of blowing dust which reduced visibilities to under a quarter mile at times, resulting in the closure of Interstate 10 and other major highways in the area.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1246814. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.