Multiple crashes reported as dust storm smothers New Mexico highways

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Another round of intense dust storms has led to multiple crashes along New Mexico highways and interstates Tuesday, officials said.

One multivehicle crash occurred on Interstate 25 between Santa Fe and Albuquerque at State Highway 16, due to near zero visibility from blowing dust, according to the New Mexico State Patrol and National Weather Service.

Another major crash involving at least five semi-trucks was reported in Otero County along U.S. Highway 54, according to the NWS. U.S. 54 is closed in both directions between Alamogordo and Orogrande.

There is no word yet on how many may be injured in either crash. New Mexico State Police told FOX Weather their troopers are still on the scene of both crashes and are assessing the situations.

Interstate 40 was also reportedly closed near Milagro due to a large crash amid nearby wildfires and poor visibility, according to the NWS.

In Roswell, where gusts reached 75 mph, parts of U.S. highways 70, 380 and 285 were shut down due to poor visibility.

Gusts up to 68 mph have been reported in Albuquerque, with visibility dropping as low as a half mile. Albuquerque’s Sunport reports some flight operations impacted by the ongoing storm.

Dust Storm Warnings remain in effect for much of New Mexico into Tuesday evening as strong wind gusts slam the state. Other gusts have reached 74 mph in Clines Corners, 71 mph in Carlsbad and 68 mph in Truth or Consequences.