ALBUQUERQUE – Warnings for winds that forecasters say are expected to be strong enough to be dangerous for travel blanket most of New Mexico on Wednesday.

The National Weather Service also says the winds of up to 45 mph and gusts of up to 75 mph will combine with low humidity and an unstable atmosphere to create critical fire conditions.

Forecasters also say the winds will make travel very difficult on north-south oriented roads such as Interstate 25, particularly for high-profile vehicles, and cause loose objects to become airborne.

In southern New Mexico, the U.S. Army’s White Sands Missile Range announced it was closed Wednesday because of high winds, with only emergency essential personnel told to report to work.