Springfield, Illinois – Drivers across central Illinois should brace for sudden visibility drops this afternoon as strong winds whip up dangerous dust from open fields, prompting a Blowing Dust Advisory through 8 p.m. Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, sustained winds out of the west at 30 to 35 mph are lifting dust across major roadways in counties including McLean, Tazewell, Champaign, Vermilion, and Sangamon. The resulting haze has cut visibility to near one mile in spots, posing a serious risk for drivers—especially on rural highways and stretches of I-55 and I-72.
Officials urge motorists to stay alert and prepare for abrupt changes in road conditions. If caught in blowing dust, drivers should exit the roadway, turn off headlights and taillights, and avoid using brakes to reduce the chance of a rear-end collision. The safety motto: Pull Aside, Stay Alive.
Conditions are expected to improve by nightfall as winds subside. However, additional advisories may be issued if wind speeds remain elevated or visibility worsens.
