Blowing Dust Advisory: Reduced Visibility Expected Today

A Blowing Dust Advisory has been issued for the Washington Palouse, Upper Columbia Basin, Spokane Area, and Waterville Plateau, effective from noon today, October 9, until 7:00 PM PDT this evening. The National Weather Service in Spokane, WA, warns of reduced visibility, potentially between one-quarter and one mile, due to blowing dust.

Residents in affected areas, including Pullman, Spokane, La Crosse, Oakesdale, Rockford, Grand Coulee, Ritzville, Creston, Tekoa, Waterville, Coulee City, Harrington, Odessa, Badger Mountain Road, Uniontown, Mansfield, Rosalia, Fairfield, Cheney, Colfax, Davenport, Wilbur, Spokane Valley, and Airway Heights, should prepare for hazardous driving conditions. Strongest winds and highest potential for blowing dust are expected along US-2 between Waterville and Airway Heights and I-90 from Ritzville to Spokane.

For personal safety, individuals with respiratory problems are advised to stay indoors until the dust storm passes. Drivers should be prepared for sudden drops in visibility to near zero. If encountering blowing dust, or seeing it approaching, pull off the road as far as possible, put the vehicle in park, turn off all lights, and keep your foot off the brake pedal. Remember the safety message: 'Pull Aside, Stay Alive'.