A powerful thunderstorm stalled over far West Texas is bringing damaging winds and hail to parts of Hudspeth County Monday afternoon, raising concerns for both residents and travelers along Interstate 10. The National Weather Service (NWS) in El Paso reported the storm was located about 7 miles east of Sierra Blanca at 2:34 p.m. MDT and showed little movement, increasing the threat of prolonged impacts.
Radar detected wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour, strong enough to down tree limbs, damage siding, and scatter unsecured outdoor items. The storm is also producing quarter-size hail, capable of denting vehicles, cracking windshields, and damaging rooftops. Although much of the storm is hovering over sparsely populated terrain, the proximity to I-10 means drivers could encounter sudden hazards along the busy highway.
The warning remains in effect until 3 p.m. MDT for east central Hudspeth County. Motorists traveling through the Sierra Blanca area are urged to use caution, as sudden wind shifts, reduced visibility, and hail-covered pavement could make conditions treacherous. Even short stretches of hail accumulation can create slick driving surfaces, increasing the risk of spinouts and accidents.
While the storm’s stationary nature means its impacts are somewhat localized, officials warn that power outages remain possible if strong winds strike utility lines or transformers. Local emergency responders are monitoring conditions closely and urge residents to prepare for potential service interruptions.
The NWS advises anyone in the warning area to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building until the storm passes. Mobile homes, vehicles, and outdoor shelters provide inadequate protection against hail and damaging winds. Travelers through eastern Hudspeth County are encouraged to delay trips until conditions improve, as weather in mountainous desert terrain can change rapidly.
This storm serves as another reminder of the volatility of late-summer weather in far West Texas, where strong thunderstorms can develop quickly and remain nearly stationary due to weak steering winds. Even when limited to rural zones, these systems are capable of creating dangerous conditions for those caught outdoors or on the road.
Residents and drivers are urged to remain weather-aware, follow updates from the National Weather Service, and take shelter immediately if conditions worsen.
