Blowing Dust Warning
Blowing Dust Warning issued December 17 at 10:15PM MST until December 18 at 2:00AM MST by NWS Goodland KS
Alert Description
* WHAT...For the Blowing Dust Warning, widespread blowing dust and brown out conditions. For the High Wind Warning, northwest winds 30 to 50 mph with gusts up to 80 mph. * WHERE...Portions of east central Colorado, northwest and west central Kansas, and southwest Nebraska. * WHEN...For the Blowing Dust Warning, until 2 AM MST /3 AM CST/ Thursday. For the High Wind Warning, until 5 PM MST /6 PM CST/ Thursday. * IMPACTS...Severely limited visibilities are expected. Travel will be dangerous and possibly life-threatening. Poor air quality may cause issues for people with respiratory problems. High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Plumes of blowing dust will create pockets of low visibility. Visibilities will likely change rapidly over short distances, making travel hazardous in these areas.
Safety Instructions
Blowing dust can significantly lower air quality and it is encouraged that you take preventative measures such as staying indoors or wearing protective breathing masks if outside. High dust concentrations can cause respiratory problems, decrease lung activity, aggravate asthma, and lead to potential heart-related problems, especially with children, elderly or those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Be ready for a sudden drop in visibility to near zero. If you encounter blowing dust or blowing sand on the roadway or see it approaching, pull off the road as far as possible and put your vehicle in park. Turn the lights all the way off and keep foot off the brake pedal. Remember, 'Pull Aside, Stay Alive'. Be prepared for a prolonged period of poor air quality due to blowing dust. Fasten loose objects or shelter objects in a safe location prior to the onset of winds. Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.