Bakersfield, CA – A Blowing Dust Advisory is in effect for parts of Kern County this afternoon, with hazardous travel conditions developing across the southern and southeastern San Joaquin Valley. The National Weather Service in Hanford reports that visibility has dropped to between one-quarter mile and one mile in several areas, creating dangerous conditions for drivers.
According to the NWS, the advisory covers Bakersfield, Delano–Wasco–Shafter, the South End San Joaquin Valley, and the Southeast San Joaquin Valley. Wind gusts up to 40 mph are contributing to widespread blowing dust and rapidly changing visibility along major roadways.
The advisory remains in effect until 4 p.m. PST, with conditions expected to gradually improve later this afternoon as winds diminish. Until then, forecasters warn that motorists may encounter sudden visibility reductions to near zero, particularly in open agricultural areas and along rural stretches of highway.
The NWS urges drivers to use extreme caution and follow the “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” guidance if caught in a dust storm. Motorists should pull completely off the roadway, turn off all vehicle lights, and keep their foot off the brake pedal to avoid collisions from approaching traffic.
Residents with respiratory sensitivities are also advised to remain indoors until dust levels subside, as blowing dust can aggravate asthma, COPD, and other breathing conditions.
While the advisory ends at 4 p.m., patchy areas of dust may linger through the early evening before settling. Drivers traveling between Bakersfield, Wasco, Shafter, and Delano should remain alert and monitor real-time updates from Caltrans and the National Weather Service as conditions evolve.
