AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has issued a strong advisory against travel across the Amarillo District due to low visibility caused by blowing dust and strong winds. TxDOT urges drivers to stay off the roadways unless it is an emergency.
“If drivers must travel,” TxDOT advised, “they need to keep two hands on the steering wheel at all times, allow plenty of space between vehicles, give themselves plenty of time to reach their destination, slow down and give themselves enough time to make decisions, and watch out for high-profile vehicles that are more susceptible to turning over such as eighteen-wheelers, buses, vans, etc.”
The Randall County Sheriff’s Office is reporting several accidents on I-27 causing traffic to be rerouted on I-27 southbound at Highway 217 and northbound at Highway 285.
In Roberts County, Highway 70, from the bottom of the caprock to 281, is being closed due to poor visibility from the grass fire.
TxDOT also recommended that if visibility is greatly reduced, drivers should pull over off the roadway to a parking lot and wait for conditions to improve.
For current road conditions, drivers can visit drivetexas.org or call (800) 452-9292.