Severe dust storm with near-zero visibility closes section of Interstate 10 in New Mexico
A severe dust storm produced near-zero to zero visibility along Interstate 10 between Lordsburg and Deming, New Mexico, at about 17:30 local time (LT) on August 12, 2025, prompting a full closure of the corridor between mile markers 20 and 81, roughly 98 km (61 miles). Conditions improved in the area by 18:30 LT.
Wall of dust moving west from New Mexico toward Bowie impacting Interstate 10 on August 12, 2025. Credit: NWS Tucson
The National Weather Service (NWS) office in El Paso issued a Dust Storm Warning for the corridor, advising motorists to pull aside, turn off lights and keep their foot off the brake until conditions improved.
New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) cameras showed little to no visibility, and authorities closed I-10 between mile markers 20 and 81, about 98 km (61 miles). Visibility began to improve in the area around 18:30 LT.
The storm was driven by strong thunderstorm outflow winds that lofted fine sediments from the Lordsburg Playa. This produced a fast-moving dust storm (haboob) capable of reducing visibility to near zero within minutes.
Authorities closed the highway due to the corridor’s well-known history of multi-vehicle collisions in blowing-dust conditions, including fatal crashes earlier in 2025.
The Lordsburg Playa is a persistent dust source in the Chihuahuan Desert, where fine lake-bed sediments become airborne during high-wind and drought periods.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation, with partner agencies, is implementing mitigation measures such as vegetation restoration, fencing, signage and monitoring along I-10.
I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.
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