Phoenix, Ariz. – Drivers across parts of south-central Arizona could encounter rapidly changing and dangerous travel conditions this afternoon as blowing dust reduces visibility along major highways during the evening commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Phoenix, a Blowing Dust Advisory is in effect from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. MST for southern Maricopa County and Pinal County. Gusty winds exceeding 35 mph may loft large amounts of dust, reducing visibility to between one-quarter mile and one mile in the most intense dust channels.
The greatest concern is for motorists traveling along Interstate 10, Interstate 8, State Route 347 and other open desert roadways, where walls of dust can develop with little warning. Visibility may drop from clear skies to near zero in seconds, creating hazardous driving conditions and increasing the risk of multi-vehicle crashes.
Officials urge drivers to delay travel if possible during the advisory. If you encounter a dust storm, pull completely off the roadway, put the vehicle in park, turn off all lights, set the parking brake and keep your foot off the brake pedal until visibility improves. This “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” guidance helps prevent other drivers from mistakenly following taillights off the road.
The advisory remains in effect through 8 p.m. MST, and additional weather statements could be issued if stronger outflow winds or more widespread blowing dust develop across the region.
