Visibility Reduced by Blowing Dust Across Columbia Plateau
A Special Weather Statement is in effect for the Columbia Plateau due to blowing dust, potentially reducing visibility for drivers until 2:00 PM UTC today.
Drivers in the Eastern Columbia River Gorge of Oregon and Washington, Lower Columbia Basin of Oregon and Washington, Foothills of the Northern and Southern Blue Mountains of Oregon, North Central Oregon, Kittitas Valley, Yakima Valley, Foothills of the Blue Mountains of Washington, and Simcoe Highlands should prepare for reduced visibility this afternoon due to blowing dust.
A Special Weather Statement issued by the National Weather Service Pendleton indicates that patchy to localized areas of blowing dust may affect these regions. The statement is effective immediately and expires today, October 9, 2026, at 2:00 PM UTC.
The National Weather Service advises motorists to be ready for sudden changes in visibility. 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 your lights completely off and keep your foot off the brake pedal. Remember the safety message: 'Pull Aside, Stay Alive'.
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