El Paso High Wind Watch: Trucks Face 65 mph Gusts Thursday Night

What happened

The National Weather Service in El Paso issued a High Wind Watch on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, at 6:19 a.m. Mountain time. It covers far West Texas and parts of southern New Mexico.

A watch means strong wind is possible. It is the heads-up before a warning.

Here is what the weather service expects:

• Wind: northeast winds of 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 65 mph possible.
• When: Thursday evening through Friday afternoon.
• Where: El Paso County areas, the Hudspeth Highlands, the Salt Basin, the Rio Grande Valley zones, the Sacramento Mountains, Otero Mesa, the Tularosa Basin and the New Mexico Bootheel. Towns named include El Paso, Fort Hancock, Sierra Blanca, Dell City, Alamogordo and Cloudcroft.

The cause is a strong cold front. The weather service said it will arrive Thursday evening from the northeast. Wind could do the most damage on mountain ridges and west slopes. Trees and power lines could come down.

The weather service also said this: travel could be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. That means tractor-trailers.

After the front, it gets cold. Some spots could see their first freeze of the season Saturday or Sunday morning.

What it means for owner-operators

Interstate 10 runs right through this area, from El Paso past Fort Hancock and Sierra Blanca. Many Texas loads to and from the West Coast use it.

A tall trailer works like a sail. An empty or light trailer is the most at risk in a side wind. A strong gust can push you out of your lane or tip you over.

The wind is expected at night and into Friday. That is when many drivers try to make up time.

What to do next

• Check the forecast before you leave on Thursday. A watch can become a warning.
• Move your schedule if you can. Plan to cross this area before Thursday evening or after Friday afternoon.
• Watch your weight. If you run empty or light, think twice before driving into gusts of 65 mph.
• Slow down and keep both hands on the wheel. Leave extra space around you.
• Park in a safe spot if the wind gets too strong. A late load is better than a wreck.
• Get ready for the cold. Check your fuel and your gear before the first freeze.
• Running into Texas from another state? Learn about temporary permits in our Texas trip and fuel permit guide.

We will share it if the watch turns into a warning.