Bloomington, Illinois – A fast-moving dust storm has forced the shutdown of multiple major highways in Central Illinois Friday evening, creating life-threatening travel conditions and near-zero visibility from Bloomington to Heyworth.
According to the Illinois State Police, I-55 is closed between South Bloomington and McLean County, I-74 is shut down from South Bloomington to Farmer City, and U.S. Route 136 is closed from McLean County to Heyworth. The closures were prompted by a wall of dust moving north at 50 mph, reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile.
The National Weather Service issued a Dust Storm Warning until 7:30 p.m. CDT for Grundy, Kankakee, Kendall, La Salle, and Will counties, along with portions of northwest Indiana. Winds topping 50 mph are whipping up dry soil and dust, particularly along I-39, I-55, I-57, and I-80. Affected cities include Ottawa, La Salle, Manteno, and Peru.
Drivers are urged to stay off the roads, especially in open rural areas. If caught in a dust storm, pull completely off the roadway, turn off all vehicle lights, and remain in the car with seatbelts fastened.
Warnings remain active through Friday evening, with additional alerts possible if wind conditions persist.
