GOODLAND, Kan. – Strong southerly winds gusting up to 60 mph are kicking up dangerous blowing dust across northwest Kansas and southwest Nebraska this afternoon, reducing visibility to near zero in some areas and prompting a Blowing Dust Warning through 7 p.m. CDT Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Goodland, multiple plumes of dust are creating localized “brownouts” from Cheyenne and Sherman counties east through Thomas and Sheridan counties, and north into Dundy and Red Willow counties in Nebraska. Conditions are changing rapidly, particularly near open fields and along Highways 83 and 24 in Thomas County, where travel has become hazardous.
Drivers are urged to pull off the road, turn off their headlights, and wait for conditions to improve if caught in a dust storm. Health officials warn that poor air quality could aggravate asthma and other respiratory or heart conditions, especially among older adults and children. Residents are advised to remain indoors or wear protective masks if outside.
Winds are expected to ease by late evening, with improving air quality overnight. However, forecasters caution that dry soils and lingering gusts may trigger additional dust issues on Sunday.
