Dust Storms

Dust storms are a growing and deadly hazard on New Mexico’s roads, with visibility dropping to zero in seconds and crashes claiming dozens of lives. In this episode, we speak with Trent Botkin from the Environmental Bureau of the New Mexico Department of Transportation about how dust storms form, why they’re becoming more frequent, and the serious risks they pose to drivers. Trent explains how NMDOT is tackling the problem at its root by restoring damaged land to prevent dust from rising in the first place. We discuss the impact of drought and overgrazing, and the groundbreaking work underway at the Lordsburg Playa, and what to do if you find yourself in a dust storm. From science to safety, this episode sheds light on a slow-moving crisis that’s finally getting the attention it deserves — and the bold strategies New Mexico is using to stop it.
 
 Additional links and resources:

“Restoring Life to the Lordsburg Playa” – New Mexico Magazine deep-dive on on-the-ground ecology, photos, and the human story behind the work: https://www.newmexicomagazine.org/blog/post/restoring-lordsburg-playa/

NMDOT Dust Storm Mitigation & Safety: https://dustmitigation.nmdotprojects.org/

National Weather Service, Dust Storms and Haboobs: https://www.weather.gov/safety/wind-dust-storm