Dust Storm — Southwest Desert/mimbres Basin, New Mexico

2025-04-17 · Southwest Desert/mimbres Basin, New Mexico

Event narrative

Widespread dust swept across Luna county causing near zero visibilities, several accidents including 5 injuries and 1 fatality were reported. Two separate wrecks occurred on Interstate 10 between mile markers 93 and 94 due to dust. One of these wrecks caused a fatality. Another wreck was reported on NM-549 near mile marker nine which caused 4 injuries.

Wider weather episode

A strong positively tilted trough was moving through the Great Basin. Ahead of this system, gusty southwest winds develop over southern New Mexico and brought areas of blowing dust to Luna, Hidalgo and Otero counties.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1250672. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.