Tucson, Arizona – Travelers in southeastern Arizona should expect dangerous driving conditions Sunday afternoon as blowing dust and strong winds sweep across Cochise and Graham counties.
According to the National Weather Service in Tucson, a Blowing Dust Advisory is in effect from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. MST Sunday for the Upper San Pedro River Valley, Upper Gila River Valley, and areas below 5,000 feet in eastern Cochise County. Thunderstorm-driven outflow winds of 45 to 55 mph may suddenly reduce visibility to under a mile—and even near zero in spots near the Willcox Playa and along Interstate 10 eastward to the New Mexico border.
Drivers on I-10, U.S. 191, and State Route 80 should be ready to pull off the road if dust begins to obscure visibility. Authorities advise turning off headlights, setting the vehicle in park, and keeping feet off the brake pedal during zero-visibility conditions. Those with respiratory issues are urged to remain indoors during dust activity.
This marks one of the more widespread dust events of the monsoon so far, with risks highest late Sunday afternoon through early evening.
More advisories are possible as storms develop. Updates are expected Sunday morning.
