EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — High winds battered the Borderland for a second straight day, bringing another round of aggressive gusts that residents said made even simple errands a challenge and signaled a forceful start to the region’s windy season.
In East El Paso, people described dealing with blowing dust and debris and the frustration of trying to keep hair and eyes clear in the gusts.
One woman said the wind gets “in my eyes all the time and my eyelashes because they’re so long, so every time I blink I have something in my eye.”
Another added, “We come out nice and showered and we come out with our hair like all crazy.”
A young boy said the wind can quickly turn a normal walk into an unpleasant experience: “You could be chilling, you’ll be walking, and then boom, you get dirt all in your eye all in your hair, and it ruins your day. It ruins your hair.”
Across the region, the strong winds were powerful enough to pick up loose items, tossing trash cans, toppling patio furniture, and sending dust and debris swirling through neighborhoods.
Destiny Venecia reports on High winds return to El Paso for second day, signaling early start to windy season (Credit: KFOX14)
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Some residents said the gusts even carried away large items. One boy said, “Mom lost a trampoline so it was bad really bad really really bad,” adding, “She said when she woke up it was just gone.”
A woman also described the aftermath in her neighborhood: “Our trampoline was on the other side of the neighborhood and our trash cans were like all the trash was everywhere because of the trash cans blew to the side. It’s just so windy.”
Drivers were also feeling the impact, with residents saying they were taking extra precautions before heading out and allowing more travel time.
One woman said, “It’s been pretty hard for drivers. A lot of accidents and it’s been hard getting out the house early and in time.”
She added, “I’m not trying to risk anything. It’s been pretty pretty harsh.”
Another resident said, “It was a struggle at first cause the wind was blowing really bad, trying to get the kids in the car so it took me a few extra minutes.”
Strong winds were expected to continue through the evening.
Residents were urged to secure loose items, drive with caution, and allow extra time for travel.
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