EL PASO, Texas — Storms damaged El Paso’s Scenic Drive on Wednesday, forcing authorities to close the popular roadway in both directions indefinitely while officials assess the damage.
The El Paso Police Department announced the closure Wednesday night and urged motorists to avoid the area.
“Scenic Drive is completely closed in both directions due to damage to the roadway,” police said in a Facebook post. “For your safety. Avoid the area. Closed until further notice.”
A photo released with the announcement showed a large hole in the roadway after heavy rain and thunderstorms moved through the region.
The City of El Paso also advised motorists to use alternate routes and said it would provide updates as officials assess the situation.
Scenic Drive runs for roughly two miles along the edge of the Franklin Mountains. The winding roadway rises more than 4,000 feet and draws visitors who want panoramic views of El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, especially around sunset.
The storm also caused damage and disruptions elsewhere in El Paso.
At El Paso International Airport, heavy rain caused an exterior awning to collapse, according to KFOX 14. Officials reported no injuries.
Heavy rainfall also flooded streets across the city, disrupting traffic, leaving some vehicles stranded and creating hazardous driving conditions.
Some residents took precautions to protect their homes as additional storms threatened the area.
Officials have not announced how long repairs to Scenic Drive will take or when the roadway will reopen.
