Strong winds to hit the borderland; tips you need to know
EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14) — Strong gusts are expected in the El Paso and Las Cruces areas on Wednesday.
The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for the borderland area and warns people of the dangers of traveling through the gusts.
KFOX14 Meteorologist, Brad Montgomery, said winds will likely begin to increase on Wednesday morning, with the strongest winds moving in midday.
RECOMMENDED: Stronger winds return Wednesday
The New Mexico Department of Transportation issued a travel advisory for the state.
NMDOT will monitor roadway conditions with law enforcement.
In a press release, NMDOT said to monitor local forecast conditions prior to traveling.
Roadway advisories will be posted on www.nmroads.com or you can call 511.
If you approach a dust storm, here are some tips from NMDOT:
- Avoid driving into or through a dust storm.
- Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway — do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can.
- If you encounter a dust storm, check traffic immediately around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.
- Do not stop in the roadway; pull completely out of the travel lanes and as far onto the right shoulder as possible.
- Stop the vehicle in a position ensuring it is a safe distance from the main roadway and away from where other vehicles may travel.
- Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers.
- Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.
- Stay in the vehicle with your seat belts buckled and wait for the storm to pass.
- Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds.
The City of El Paso asked residents to help reduce windblown trash by not rolling out recycling bins to the curb on high wind days.
Collection of trash and recyclable's will still continue as normal on Wednesday according to Nicolas Ybarra, the assistant director of environmental services.
Ybarra said if residents trash or recycle bin is not full and can wait until the next scheduled pickup, he encourages them to wait to put out the bin to avoid windblown litter.
A press release from the city stated residents can help by following these tips:
- Recyclables are lighter than trash. If your blue bin is less than half full wait until your next scheduled pick to put out your bin. If you roll your bins to the curb do not tape the lids shut as this will prevent the bin from being emptied.
- Trash placed in gray bins should be bagged and is less likely to become windblown litter.
- Schedule your trip to a Citizen Collection Station, the city’s trash drop-off sites, and the Greater El Paso Landfill on a non-high wind warning day.
Ybarra added that if residents come home from work and are unable to find their bin, they can call 212-6000 to receive a new trash bin.
However, if the blue recycle bin is lost, residents will be required to take a class about recycling to receive a new bin per city rules.
RECOMMENDED: City of El Paso asks residents to help reduce windblown trash
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