Goodland, Kan. – A dangerous dust storm is sweeping across northwest Kansas this evening, bringing near-zero visibility and winds topping 60 mph. The fast-moving wall of dust is impacting travel on Interstate 70 from the Colorado border to mile marker 45, with conditions worsening through 9:15 p.m. CDT.
According to the National Weather Service in Goodland, the storm was first reported around 8:24 p.m. CDT near Bird City, Ruleton, Goodland, and Kanorado, moving east at 30 mph. Law enforcement officials report visibility dropping below a quarter mile, creating life-threatening driving conditions.
Communities including Goodland, Atwood, Brewster, Kanorado, Ruleton, Bird City, and McDonald are directly in the storm’s path. Motorists are urged to delay travel or exit the highway before the dust front arrives. If caught in the storm, drivers should pull off the road, turn off lights, and keep feet off the brakes to avoid collisions.
Strong to severe thunderstorms may follow behind the dust wall, adding further risk. Dust Storm Warnings remain in effect until later this evening, and conditions could deteriorate rapidly.
