Phoenix, Ariz. – Drivers across southern and central Arizona should be prepared for dangerous travel conditions Monday as a series of blowing dust advisories take effect through the afternoon and evening. Winds tied to thunderstorms are expected to drop visibility to less than a mile at times, with sudden whiteouts possible on open stretches of highway.
According to the National Weather Service in Phoenix and Tucson, advisories are active in multiple regions. The Tucson metro area, along with the Tohono O’odham Nation and south-central Pinal County, faces dust hazards between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Monday. By late afternoon, storms may push dust across western Pima County, including Ajo and Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, where conditions could remain dangerous until 7 p.m. Meanwhile, Gila Bend, Queen Creek, and large portions of Pinal County fall under a separate advisory from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Hazards will be most severe along Interstate 10 and highways 8 and 85, where near-zero visibility could trigger sudden slowdowns or closures. Officials urge drivers to avoid travel if possible during peak hours and to follow the “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” guidance—pull off the road, turn off lights, and keep feet off the brake pedal until conditions improve.
Those with respiratory conditions should remain indoors to avoid dust exposure. The weather service warns additional advisories are possible if storms persist into the night.
