Windstorms can seem like they come out of nowhere, hitting with a sudden blast. They might be hundreds of miles long, stretching over several states, or just in your neighborhood.

A powerful storm is unleashing a blizzard across the central United States after its strong winds stirred up dangerous dust storms and wildfires that continue to spread in parts of the Plains.

On the last official day of astronomical winter, a wild storm will pack severe weather with the potential for several tornadoes, but also powerful wind gusts in thunderstorms, showers, dusty air and blizzard conditions.

Dry winds fueled dust storms that limited visibility to near zero on some roadways and raised the risk of fires breaking out in the region.

Chelsea Langer, the Acting Bureau Chief for the Environmental Health Epidemiology Bureau at the New Mexico Department of Health, states that some of the harmful effects from inhaling dust can range from asthma attacks, allergic reactions, and also consist of respiratory responses such as nasal congestion.

Fiery crashes and pileups shut down roads and highways across New Mexico as dangerous winds whipped up dust storms. See just how bad it got in New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle and get the latest on the warnings for parts of Oklahoma,