Much of the El Paso region, far West Texas and southern New Mexico could face "extreme fire danger" on Monday, including the Gila and Lincoln national forests, the National Weather Service warned. The National Weather Service office for El Paso has issued a "red flag warning" for the region in place from 11 a.

The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for much of the El Paso region, far West Texas and southern New Mexico for Monday through 8 p.m. This means these areas could face "extreme fire danger.

The National Weather Service issued a Fire Weather Watch for parts of New Mexico and Texas, citing strong winds and low humidity.

Public Service Company of New Mexico has warned of potential power outages in Santa Fe and other areas of the region Thursday because of critical fire weather conditions in the forecast. PNM executives announced during a news conference Wednesday crews could intentionally power down lines in much of Santa Fe and surrounding communities,

Winds are expected to peak around noon and range from 30 to 40 miles per hour, and gusts could reach up to 60 miles per hour.

Officials rushed to reschedule Mardi Gras celebrations and warned revelers as powerful storms were expected to strike Louisiana.