New Mexico experiences severe dust storms, highways closed

Dust storms are sweeping across New Mexico, causing major traffic problems on highways. The National Weather Service issued an emergency alert on Tuesday, warning people about very low visibility and health risks, especially for infants and the elderly. Wind gusts reached up to 50 mph along the Albuquerque-Santa Fe corridor. Visibility dropped to almost zero in some areas, affecting communities in Torrance County and along Interstate 40. As a result, New Mexico's transportation department closed a 130-mile stretch of Interstate 10, from the Arizona state line to near Las Cruces, as well as state highways near Deming. The high winds also caused road closures in the oil-producing regions near Roswell and Carlsbad. The National Weather Service advised drivers not to enter dust storms and to pull over until it is safe. They also mentioned the risk of extreme fire conditions following a recent grassland fire that led to evacuations. Last week, similar dust storms in western Kansas led to a tragic pileup on Interstate 70, resulting in eight fatalities.