On Wednesday at 5:47 p.m. an updated blowing dust advisory was released by the National Weather Service in effect until 7 p.m. for La Junta Vicinity/Otero County and Crowley County.

“Visibility between one-quarter and one mile in blowing dust,” can be expected according to the NWS. “As showers roll off the mountains this afternoon, areas of blowing dust could become locally dense at times.”

“Hazardous driving conditions due to reduced visibility. Damaging winds may blow down trees and power lines. Power outages will be possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles,” explains the NWS. “Persons with respiratory problems should make preparations to stay indoors until the storm passes. Be ready for a sudden drop in visibility to near zero. If you encounter blowing dust or blowing sand on the roadway or see it approaching, pull off the road as far as possible and put your vehicle in park. Turn the lights all the way off and keep foot off the brake pedal. Remember, ‘Pull Aside, Stay Alive’.”

Source: The National Weather Service