Woodward, Oklahoma – Visibility could suddenly fall to one-quarter mile across northwest Oklahoma this afternoon, forcing drivers to make split-second decisions on open highways.
According to the National Weather Service in Norman, a Blowing Dust Advisory remains in effect until 3 p.m. Thursday for Alfalfa, Dewey, Ellis, Harper, Major, Woods and Woodward counties. Winds are lifting dry topsoil into the air, reducing visibility to between one-quarter mile and one mile at times.
The most significant impacts are expected along U.S. 183, U.S. 412 and Highway 270, where long, exposed stretches of roadway leave drivers vulnerable to abrupt walls of dust. In communities including Woodward, Alva, Buffalo and Taloga, brief drops to near-zero visibility are possible if dust plumes intensify.
Law enforcement officials urge motorists to avoid sudden stops in travel lanes. If you encounter blowing dust, pull off the road as far as possible, shift into park, turn off all lights and keep your foot off the brake pedal. Officials emphasize the safety message: “Pull Aside, Stay Alive.”
People with respiratory conditions should remain indoors until conditions improve, as fine dust particles can aggravate breathing problems.
Conditions are expected to improve after 3 p.m., but drivers should remain alert for lingering dust in rural areas through late afternoon.
