By KRWG News
Las Cruces – White Sands Missile Range has begun releasing nonessential personnel and the wind conditions have caused damage.
High winds at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) tore the roof from the range's Directorate of Plans Training Mobilization and Security building (which acts as the post's police station) at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday. Everyone was safely evacuated from the building. Two people were treated for injuries at WSMR's McAfee Army Health Clinic and released. Police services remained operational from an alternate location.
The winds have also downed power lines, uprooted trees, and caused minor damage to buildings and vehicles. The downed power lines have cutoff electricity to some areas of post. Work is underway to restore power to these parts of the installation. If power problems persist in housing areas, WSMR has contingency plans to provide emergency shelter.
The installation is still open, but non-essential personnel in areas without power are being sent home. Anyone with important business on WSMR may enter the installation, but please exercise common sense and consider safety precautions when traveling in these weather conditions.