LUBBOCK, TEXAS – A powerful dust storm accompanied by severe winds wreaked havoc across the Texas Panhandle and eastern New Mexico on March 18, 2025, igniting wildfires, causing widespread power outages, and leading to numerous highway closures.
According to Xcel Energy, crews were prepared to start restoring power throughout the region once conditions improved. Earlier in the day, the utility initiated a Public Safety Power Shutoff, impacting over 1,100 customers in an effort to mitigate fire risks. By 7:15 p.m. CT, around 11,200 customers were without power due to both intentional shutoffs and outages attributed to high winds.
"Our top priority is ensuring the safety of our communities, customers, and work crews," Xcel Energy stated. Restoration efforts were expected to commence around midnight CT, contingent on weather conditions stabilizing.
The extreme weather forced local residents and crews into action as fire crews battled several major wildfires. The Double S fire in Hutchinson County had already burned more than 350 acres, and authorities reported that it was only 5% contained. Further complicating the response efforts, the High Lonesome fire in Dallam County had expanded to over 15,000 acres, with containment at just 50% by late evening.
Moreover, dangerous red flag conditions were reported across much of the Panhandle-South Plains region. Warnings from the National Weather Service indicated that severe winds could gust up to 65 mph, contributing to difficult and hazardous fire-fighting conditions.
"Severely limited visibilities are expected," reads a statement from the National Weather Service in Lubbock. "Travel will be dangerous and possibly life-threatening. High winds may move loose debris, damage property, and cause power outages." Indeed, with blowing dust reducing visibility to less than a quarter-mile, several highways suffered closures, including portions of Interstate 27 between Canyon and Happy.
By 12:30 a.m. on March 19, over 10,000 of Xcel Energy's customers were still without power. Reports noted significant outages around Hobbs, where approximately 2,200 customers were affected, along with over 6,200 near Borger. In Lubbock, the outages were less severe, impacting fewer than 100 customers.
The ongoing rough weather caused substantial disruption, leading to closures of several roadways. Portions of FM 1559 and SH 136 west of Borger were closed due to blowing dust and smoke. Similarly, US 385 from Dalhart to the Texas-Oklahoma state line faced closures due to the same weather conditions.
As local and state fire crews continued to battle these blazes, the Windmill Fire in Roberts County, ongoing since March 14, also posed threats, having consumed more than 23,000 acres and being 99% contained as of the latest reports.
The emergency services faced a relentless battle against the elements, with crews stretched thin across multiple fronts. Evacuations were reported in portions of Borger due to the encroaching Double S fire, which raised concerns of potential structure damage.
As the situation unfolded, Xcel Energy and local utilities provided updates on their dedicated event web pages and outage maps, making resources available to keep residents informed about ongoing restoration efforts.
The weather situation raises pointed questions about preparedness in the face of climate-related severe weather. The recent events highlight the critical need for robust infrastructure and communication systems that can withstand these increasingly common weather events.
As of March 19, 2025, both the wildfires and power outages continue to be monitored, with further assessment needed once conditions stabilize. Residents and officials alike remain alert and on guard against the destructive potential of further wind and dust.
