Moore County, Texas – A powerful gust of wind flipped a semi-truck onto its side on US-87/287 near Dumas today, shutting down a major highway for several hours. The incident highlights the extreme weather conditions gripping the Texas Panhandle, where sustained winds reached 35–45 mph with gusts up to 70 mph.
Incident Details
The Moore County Sheriff’s Office reported that the tractor-trailer overturned in the northbound lanes, completely blocking traffic. Authorities rerouted vehicles onto Texas Highway 354 while crews worked to clear the wreckage.
Video footage of the crash shows the truck initially swaying before the trailer lifts into the air, eventually flipping the entire vehicle. It remains unclear if the driver attempted any corrective action, but the force of the wind proved overwhelming. Two occupants were observed escaping through the driver’s side window.
Extreme Weather Conditions
The National Weather Service had issued a High Wind Warning for Moore County and surrounding areas, indicating that these conditions were not unexpected. However, the severity of the gusts was enough to topple a fully loaded semi-truck.
Additional Accidents
This wasn’t an isolated incident. The sheriff’s office confirmed at least one other vehicle – a pickup truck towing a trailer – jackknifed due to the high winds. While that truck did not overturn, the incident underscores the hazardous driving conditions in the region.
Safety Warnings
Local law enforcement has advised drivers of empty trailers to postpone travel until the winds subside. This event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of highway driving, especially in regions prone to extreme weather.
The combination of strong winds and high-profile vehicles creates a dangerous situation for truckers and other drivers. Until conditions improve, caution and delayed travel are strongly recommended.
