Springfield, Illinois – Drivers across central Illinois could lose visibility within seconds Sunday afternoon as blowing dust drops sightlines to as little as a quarter mile, creating immediate hazards on major corridors including I-55, I-72, and I-74.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, a Blowing Dust Advisory remains in effect until 7 p.m. Sunday, impacting a wide stretch of the state from Peoria and Bloomington to Champaign, Decatur, and Effingham. Visibility is fluctuating between one mile and just 0.25 miles, especially in open rural areas where strong winds are lifting dry topsoil.
Conditions are especially dangerous along east-west roadways such as I-72 and I-74, where crosswinds can suddenly push dense dust across lanes. In Springfield, normal afternoon traffic may encounter near-zero visibility with little warning. Similar risks extend into Peoria, Lincoln, and Taylorville, where farm fields are contributing to rapidly shifting dust clouds.
Drivers are urged to avoid unnecessary travel through early evening. If dust overtakes your vehicle, pull completely off the roadway, turn off all lights, and keep your foot off the brake to avoid rear-end collisions. Those with respiratory issues should remain indoors.
The advisory expires at 7 p.m., but additional alerts could be issued if winds persist into the evening.
