Heavy winds leave West Texas in cloud of dust, increase risk of fires [Video]

SAN ANGELO, Texas — A significant cloud of dust over San Angelo resembled overcast skies by the middle of Friday afternoon. 

The National Weather Service in San Angelo issued a wind advisory from noon to 8 p.m. Friday. Parts of the Concho Valley and Big Country saw wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour, shaking trees and flinging dirt at cars, buildings and people. 

Dry conditions also left urban and rural fire departments, including Wall VFD, with a need to prepare. High wind speeds mean a small fire could quickly get out of hand.

“Being on the volunteer side, it is a little bit different,” Wall VFD’s Justin Nava said. “Because we don’t have personnel at the station every single hour of every single day.”

Nava said communication between the department’s …