The National Weather Service has issued a Dust Storm Warning for Las Vegas and surrounding areas through 4:15 pm today due to potentially life-threatening conditions. The Warning includes the Las Vegas Valley, I-15 from Primm to the northeast side of the Valley, and Red Rock Canyon. In this area, people can expect dangerously low visibility, blowing dust, and strong, gusty winds.
Similar to a blizzard or snow squall that can bring about low visibility suddenly, a dust storm can completely obscure vision within a matter of seconds. Driving through such a storm can be life threatening and should be avoided. The National Weather Service cautions, “If driving, pull over and turn off all lights. Remove your foot from the brake.”
An extremely dangerous situation is unfolding around Las Vegas. Avoid travel and seek safe shelter indoors away from the #DustStorm.#NVwx #LVwx https://t.co/rcFemVR8Rk
— the Weatherboy (@theWeatherboy) April 11, 2022
According to the National Weather Service in Las Vegas, a dense dust channel was still occurring across Highway 95 between Goldfield and Tonopah. Other areas of blowing dust could be seen on satellite along Highway 95 and 6 west of Tonopah. Another dust channel was 18 miles southeast of Pierce Ferry and Antares Roads, roughly 30 miles north of Kingman. A dust channel also exists near Sandy Valley; it is moving northeast towards the Las Vegas Valley, moving northeast at 55 mph. In these areas, visibility is dropping below 1/4 mile; damaging winds in excess of 60 mph are also occurring. The combined impact of damaging wind gusts and blowing sand could have a sand-blasting effect on vehicles and their windshields, leading to additional visibility challenges.
