Massive dust storm turns day to darkness in New Mexico and Texas

A strong dust storm swept across southern New Mexico and western Texas on Thursday afternoon, April 17, creating hazardous road conditions for drivers. The dramatic scene was captured in a time-lapse satellite video shared by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Friday.

The video shows the storm unfolding over nearly two hours—from 12:30 to 2:22 p.m. Mountain Time — blanketing the region in thick clouds of dust. The NOAA described the storm as “dangerous” and warned the public of serious travel hazards.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued several dust storm warnings across the region. The blowing dust reduced road visibility to an alarmingly low level, making it very hazardous for motorists.

Regional news sources indicated that the dust storm was the cause of at least one fatal crash in southern New Mexico. Officials are continuing to investigate, but they did verify that low visibility due to the storm was a contributing factor.

What Caused the Dust Storm?

Dust storms typically form when powerful wind gusts sweep over dry terrain, lifting loose dirt and sand into the air. These storms often arrive quickly and without much warning, turning clear skies into blinding brownouts in minutes.

The storm covered a large area and moved swiftly, making it especially dangerous. Experts say spring is the peak season for dust storms in this region due to drought conditions and shifting climate patterns.

Safety Precautions Advised by Officials

Authorities are urging the public to stay indoors during dust storms and avoid driving when visibility drops. NOAA and NWS continue to monitor conditions and will issue further alerts if more storms are expected in the coming days.