Las Cruces: The District One office for the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) will be monitoring roadways this week as a high wind advisory will be in effect. National Weather Services is reporting that there will be gust of 18-28 mph moving through southern New Mexico. The first surge will sweep through Wednesday and will continue through the evening hours Friday December 26. Motorists are encouraged to reduce speed until conditions change, as low visibility will impact traffic as strong winds increase as predicted by local meteorologists.
Below are recommended driving tips.
- Slow down, be patient and drive safely. Plan for extra travel time.
- Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be aware of weather conditions and travel at a safe reduced speed limit.
- Maintain at least a three-quarter full tank of gas.
- Notify someone of your travel route, destination and projected arrival time.
- Carry an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle.
- Brake slowly to avoid any panic braking or jerking the steering wheel.
- Increase the distance between you and the traffic ahead.
- When pulling off the road, make sure you exit on to the shoulder far enough to where your vehicle is not on the road.
- Carry plenty of food and water and all necessary medications.
- Avoid driving through dust storms.
- Motorists are advised to move over for emergency response vehicles.
For motorists traveling on I-10 from Las Cruces to Texas the NMDOT has placed additional signage throughout this corridor advising the traveling public to reduce speed, and to obey all traffic control signage. Motorists will experience a delay in traffic as it backups for approximately 1-3 miles during peak hours as you near the construction project on I-10 near the Mesquite exit (151) for both east and westbound traffic.
Roadway notifications will be posted on the department's web site www.NMroads.com , and can be retrieved by calling 511 in New Mexico or 1-800-432-4269 out of state.