GOODLAND, Kan. – Drivers across western Kansas faced rapidly deteriorating visibility Monday afternoon as powerful winds fueled a dangerous dust storm across parts of Gove and Logan counties. The National Weather Service in Goodland issued a Dust Storm Warning through 1:45 p.m. CDT, urging residents to avoid travel if possible.
According to the National Weather Service, the storm formed near the intersection of Highways 25 and 40 west of Oakley around 12:10 p.m. CDT and was moving southeast toward Monument Rocks. Emergency management officials reported less than a quarter mile of visibility with winds exceeding 50 mph, making travel extremely hazardous.
Highways 25, 40, and 83 in Logan County were among the hardest hit, with blowing dust obscuring roads and creating life-threatening driving conditions. Residents were advised to stay off the roads until conditions improve.
Authorities recommend that anyone caught in a dust storm pull off the road, turn off headlights, and keep their foot off the brake to avoid collisions. Additional advisories could be issued if winds persist through the afternoon.
