Residents in El Paso, TX, and parts of Southern New Mexico are bracing for a cocktail of hazardous weather conditions, as the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Blowing Dust Advisory and a critical Red Flag Warning. The NWS office in El Paso is alerting the public to prepare for visibility between one-quarter and one mile in blowing dust, from this afternoon until the evening. Meanwhile, strong winds and low humidity are setting up an environment ripe for wildfires, making it perilous for the affected regions.

According to the National Weather Service , visibility between one-quarter and one mile in blowing dust is expected, a condition that could lead to hazardous driving due to reduced visibility, specifically on major roadways including Interstate 10 between Las Cruces and Sierra Blanca, TX, and US Highway 54 between El Paso and Alamogordo. People with respiratory issues should stay indoors until the storm passes. The advisory also implores drivers who encounter blowing dust to pull off the road as far as possible and put your vehicle in park, while turning all lights off and keeping your foot off the brake pedal to avoid misleading other drivers.

Aside from the dust hazard, the area is also under a Red Flag Warning from 11 AM this morning through 9 PM MDT this evening, extending into Monday due to the strong winds and low humidity for Southwest New Mexico and Far West Texas. Critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly, as warned by NWS. Projections include southwest winds at 20 to 30 mph, gusting up to 45 mph, with relative humidity settling between 5 and 10 percent. With the Enhanced Risk Category (ERC) levels indicating above-normal dryness, it's strongly advised that no outdoor burning occur.

In response to the warnings, local authorities are urging the public to exercise extreme caution. Fire departments throughout the region are on high alert, with increased staff and resources at the ready should any wildfires ignite. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended, cautions the NWS, highlighting the rapid spread potential of any fires that may start under these conditions. Their emphasis underscores the seriousness of the red flag situation and the importance of public cooperation.