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By Anna Skinner
Associate News Editor
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More than a million residents across New Mexico and Texas were urged to stay away from windows Friday as a sprawling, high‑impact wind event sent damaging gusts barreling across the Southwest, prompting a patchwork of high wind warnings until Saturday morning in some communities.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued the alerts from the Texas Panhandle to the Sacramento Mountains and the Albuquerque metro area, citing widespread potential for power outages, flying debris and prolonged periods of hazardous crosswinds on major roadways including Interstate 25. Several offices, including NWS Albuquerque, Amarillo, Midland/Odessa and El Paso, advised residents to exercise caution during the windstorm, such as by remaining in the lower levels of their homes and avoiding windows because of the threat of falling limbs and airborne debris.
Newsweek reached out to the NWS office in Albuquerque by phone for comment.
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In the South Central Highlands, Upper Tularosa Valley, Curry County and Roosevelt County, east‑to‑northeast winds of 30 to 40 mph with 60 to 70 mph gusts are expected to continue through 3 p.m. MDT. Forecasters said the setup is capable of snapping weakened trees and stressing already vulnerable power lines, with at least a few outages likely across the region.
The Albuquerque metro area remains under a high wind warning until 10 p.m. MDT, with gusts climbing toward 60 mph—strong enough to cause difficult travel along I‑25, Tramway Boulevard and through mountain passes.
NWS Midland/Odessa also warned of gusts up to 70 mph plaguing the Guadalupe Mountains of west Texas and southeast New Mexico. The high wind warning will remain in effect until 7 a.m. Saturday.
"Winds will be particularly hazardous at higher elevations where the strongest winds are likely to occur," the warning said. "Be especially careful driving in these mountainous areas. People driving high-profile vehicles should strongly consider postponing travel in these areas until the winds subside."
Meanwhile, the NWS El Paso, Texas, office warned of gusts up to 60 mph.
"Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows," the warning said. "Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution if you must drive."
Multiple NWS offices emphasized the same precaution: remain inside and stay away from windows during peak gusts. Falling trees, shattered glass and airborne debris pose a risk across the Southwest. Most of the warnings advising people to remain away from windows will persist until midnight.
In addition to high winds, NWS meteorologists also warned of blowing dust. A blowing dust advisory was in place across much of western Texas and part of eastern New Mexico. The less severe wind advisories also were widespread.
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