El Paso is starting the day mild and mostly clear at about 63°F, but the weekend is lining up to be hotter and a lot windier. A Flood Watch tied to a potential failure at Cement Lake remains in effect through Friday evening, April 24. City and utility crews are keeping a close eye on low-lying Westside crossings and surface streets that could see standing water or debris if flows increase.
Afternoon And Weekend Outlook
Today stays sunny with a high near 85°F and west winds in the 6 to 14 mph range, with gusts up to about 21 mph this afternoon. Saturday, April 25, turns breezy with areas of blowing dust after noon and gusts that could reach 33 mph. Sunday, April 26, is shaping up as the biggest wind day, with highs near 87°F and west-southwest winds around 6 to 29 mph and gusts up to 51 mph. Advisory- or warning-level winds are increasingly likely, and critical fire-weather conditions are possible, according to NWS El Paso.
Flood Watch And Roads To Watch
The Flood Watch through Friday evening specifically calls out areas below Cement Lake Dam. If the earthen dam were to fail, flows could reach low crossings and surface streets, including Loop 375, Paisano Drive, and Doniphan Drive. El Paso Water says crews are "actively monitoring conditions at Cement Lake" and have staged precautionary road closures while crews work to relieve pressure at the impoundment. You can see the utility's update at El Paso Water.
How To Stay Safe
Avoid driving through flooded or standing water and plan for possible delays on Westside routes while crews are out. Secure loose outdoor items ahead of the stronger winds and postpone any outdoor burning, since low humidity and gusty winds raise fire danger. If you have respiratory issues, prepare for dusty afternoon conditions and keep medications and water close.
What We’re Watching
Hoodline ran a piece on the Cement Lake situation yesterday, and this forecast layers on new watches and a sharper wind threat for Saturday and Sunday. We will keep tracking any road-closure updates from the city and the utility and will report back if watches are upgraded to warnings.
