Dust storm in New Mexico causes 21-car pileup, road closures near Roswell
A Dust Storm Warning is in effect for Chaves County through Monday evening.
'Wall of blowing dust' sweeps New Mexico-Texas highway
A family driving to El Paso hit a dust storm on Monday during a Dust Storm Warning issued by the National Weather Service.
CHAVES COUNTY, N.M.– A dust storm has caused zero-to-limited visibility in Chaves County, New Mexico, leading to several crashes and road closures.
According to the Chaves County Sheriff's Office, several crashes were reported within the county, some of those with injuries.
Southbound Highway 285 and many other county roads were closed due to the crashes and low visibility.
Chaves County Undersheriff Charles Yslas said one of the crashes involved 21 vehicles.
Yslas said all available Chaves County Sheriff's Office resources were out assisting on calls.
A photo posted by the sheriff's office shows dust in the sky, blocking visibility.
Thick dust blocks visibility in Roswell, New Mexico.
(Chaves County Sheriff's Office/Facebook / FOX Weather)
NOAA GOES satellite imagery showed massive plumes of dust moving with southwest winds on Monday afternoon.
The National Weather Service issued a Dust Storm Warning due to the low visibility. The warning is in effect through Monday evening.
Damaging winds and dust are forecast to diminish after sunset, according to the NWS.
Roswell Air Center recorded a wind gust of 77 mph on Monday.
The office didn't give any additional information about the number of crashes or people injured.