A Million People in Texas Told to Avoid Being Near Windows

Meteorologists with the National Weather Service (NWS) are warning roughly 1 million people in Texas to remain on the lower levels of their home and to avoid being near windows as strong winds and blowing dust hits the Lone Star state.

Why It Matters

The exceptionally strong winds come as much of the central United States is under an increased risk of wildfires amid dry conditions. Red flag warnings alerting people of the wildfire risk stretch from South Dakota to Texas. High wind warnings and blowing dust advisories also are in place.

The strong winds come after severe storms swept across the U.S. over the weekend, killing at least 39 people.

What To Know

The NWS offices in Amarillo and El Paso issued high wind warnings and blowing dust advisories on Monday.

In the El Paso forecast region, winds are blowing between 35 and 45 miles per hour, with gusts up to 70 mph, which is tropical storm strength. In Amarillo, west winds are blowing between 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph.

In Amarillo, the high wind warning will go into effect on Tuesday morning and last until the early hours of Wednesday morning. The wind warning is in place for the following areas:

• Dumas
• Wildorado
• Dalhart
• Borger
• Dawn
• Canyon
• Amarillo
• Hartley
• Panhandle
• Stratford
• White Deer
• Buffalo Lake
• Gruver
• Washburn
• Skellytown
• Guymon
• Bootleg
• Bushland
• Hereford
• Claude
• Channing
• Goodnight
• Ware
• Spearman
• Pantex
• Palo Duro Canyon State Park
• Wayside
• Romero
• Umbarger
• Masterson
• Keyes
• Four Way
• Boise City
• Vega
• Conlen
• Boys Ranch

In El Paso, a blowing dust advisory will go into effect on Tuesday at noon local time and remain in place until 9 p.m.

Blowing dust can become so thick at times that visibility will be reduced to one-quarter mile.

What People Are Saying

NWS Amarillo said in a high wind warning: “Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm and avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution if you must drive.”

NWS El Paso in a blowing dust advisory: “Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Hazardous driving conditions due to reduced visibility.”

The warning added: “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.”

What Happens Next?

NWS meteorologist Luigi Meccariello told Newsweek that peak winds will hit on Tuesday during the afternoon. Looking forward, breezy conditions are expected throughout the week.