NWS: Expect windy conditions, high gusts in El Paso starting Wednesday afternoon

Aaron A. Bedoya and Vic Kolenc, El Paso Times
·1 min read

Expect wind Wednesday afternoon reaching 30 mph to 40 mph, with gusts of up to 70 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles, including semitrailers and RVs. Areas of blowing dust can result in reduced visibility, according to the NWS.

El Paso Electric plans to have extra crews ready to respond to any potential issues or power outages that the high winds might cause in the El Paso area, Kelly Tomblin, El Paso Electric CEO, said in a statement.

"With the high wind advisory in effect by the National Weather Service, we are closely monitoring the situation and taking all necessary steps to ensure the reliability and safety of our energy grid,” Tomblin said. “Customers should always avoid downed power lines."

The city of El Paso Environmental Services Department is asking residents to help reduce windblown trash by not rolling recycling bins to the curb on high wind days.

If caught in a dust storm, NWS El Paso advised in a tweet:

· Pull off the road as soon as possible.

· Stop and turn off lights.

· Set the emergency brake.

· Be sure taillights are not illuminated.

For more tips on dealing with high winds, visit https://www.weather.gov/safety/wind

Restaurant update:Taco Tote heads for Horizon, Salt + Honey moving to new location

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: NWS: Expect windy weather, high gusts in El Paso Wednesday afternoon