Colorado Springs, Colorado – Strong winds are kicking up widespread blowing dust across eastern Colorado, lowering visibility and degrading air quality through 7 p.m. Tuesday.
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, an Air Quality Health Advisory for Blowing Dust remains in effect from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for much of the eastern plains and parts of the Front Range. Counties impacted include El Paso, Pueblo, Adams, Arapahoe, Weld, Morgan, Kit Carson, Yuma, Cheyenne and Prowers, among others.
Communities from Colorado Springs and Pueblo to Greeley, Fort Morgan, Limon and Burlington may see hazy skies and pockets of sharply reduced visibility, especially along Interstate 70 east of Denver and stretches of Interstate 25 south of Castle Rock. Wind-driven dust may briefly drop visibility below 10 miles across wide areas.
Health officials urge people with heart or lung disease, older adults and children to limit prolonged or heavy exertion if dense dust develops. Drivers should slow down in dusty areas and be prepared for sudden visibility changes.
Wind speeds are expected to ease toward sunset, allowing dust levels to gradually improve. Additional advisories could be issued if winds remain elevated.
