Goodland, KS – Drivers across northwest Kansas and eastern Colorado face sudden brownout conditions this afternoon as 65 mph wind gusts whip up dense dust plumes through 5 p.m. MST.
According to the National Weather Service in Goodland, a Blowing Dust Warning and High Wind Warning remain in effect for Yuma, Kit Carson and Cheyenne counties in Colorado and Cheyenne, Sherman, Thomas, Wallace, Logan, Gove, Greeley and Wichita counties in Kansas. West winds of 35 to 45 mph are producing gusts up to 65 mph, sending dust several miles downstream from open fields.
Visibility can drop to near zero within seconds, especially where winds blow perpendicular to roadways. Conditions are particularly dangerous along stretches of I-70, U.S. 385 and U.S. 36, where open farmland increases the risk of thick dust walls crossing highways.
Loose debris may damage property, and isolated power outages are possible. Air quality will also deteriorate, posing risks for children, older adults and anyone with respiratory conditions.
Officials urge drivers to avoid travel if possible. If caught in a dust plume, pull off the roadway, turn off lights and keep your foot off the brake. Winds are expected to gradually ease after late afternoon, but dangerous visibility could persist until early evening.
