Unfavorable weather conditions are thought to be the cause of a pileup involving dozens of cars in West Texas on Monday.
The National Weather Service in Lubbock predicted that an upper-level disturbance would bring windy conditions, leading to an increased risk of wildfires and low visibility due to airborne dust. Weather experts advised that driving on north or southbound roads could become difficult and that wind gusts could reach up to 50 mph in the wind advisory area and up to 75 mph in the high wind warning areas. The NWS advised drivers to keep both hands on the steering wheel.
The Texas Department of Public Safety reported a pileup involving about 30 cars at an intersection south of Midland at SH 349 and FM 1555 at about 4:50 p.m. Monday. Low visibility due to the windy and dusty conditions is thought to have contributed to the multi-vehicle collision that resulted in several people being injured, according to ABC News.
The exact number and extent of those injuries are currently unknown.
The Upton County Sheriff’s Office reported multiple accidents along FM 1555 and advised local residents to avoid travel on FM 1555, SH 349, and East 67. FM 1555 was closed later in the day as officials investigated the multi-vehicle collision.
“Blustery” yet dry conditions were expected to persist across West Texas on Tuesday.
The threat of severe weather across the state also prompted Gov. Greg Abbott to order the Texas Division of Emergency Management to place emergency resources on “standby to support severe weather response operations as warranted.”
In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, thunderstorms brought strong winds and rain on Monday afternoon and evening, but dust was not an issue.