High Wind — Reeves County and Upper Trans Pecos, Texas

2000-03-07 · Reeves County and Upper Trans Pecos, Texas

Event narrative

Gradient winds estimated at 60 mph blew down road signs, tore shingles off roofs, and blew down a hotel sign in Pecos.

Wider weather episode

This high wind event involved most of the region in the wake of a Pacific cold front that swept through the area. Blowing dust was reported ahead of the front with south winds and also behind the front with west winds. A squall line of thunderstorms developed as the front crossed into Texas from eastern New Mexico. With all the dust in the air, a muddy rain fell within the squall line.Utility lines and poles were downed, trailers rolled over, and the visibility was so low (in blowing dust) that the Texas Dept. of Transportation closed I-20 west of Mile Marker 40, State Highway 17 between Pecos and Balmorhea, and U.S. 285 north of Pecos the New Mexico state line, where the NM DOT closed the highway farther north to Malaga.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5138581. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.