Blowing Dust Alert: Visibility Concerns Across Columbia Plateau

Drivers are advised to prepare for sudden changes in visibility across the Columbia Plateau this evening due to patchy to localized areas of blowing dust. The National Weather Service (NWS) Pendleton has issued a Special Weather Statement, urging immediate action if blowing dust is encountered.

This advisory is effective immediately, issued today, October 9, at 5:03 PM PDT, and will remain in effect until 7:00 PM PDT. Affected areas include the Eastern Columbia River Gorge of Oregon, Lower Columbia Basin of Oregon, Foothills of the Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon, Foothills of the Southern Blue Mountains of Oregon, North Central Oregon, Eastern Columbia River Gorge of Washington, Kittitas Valley, Yakima Valley, Lower Columbia Basin of Washington, Foothills of the Blue Mountains of Washington, and Simcoe Highlands.

The NWS Pendleton emphasizes a critical safety message: 'Pull Aside, Stay Alive.' If you encounter blowing dust or blowing sand on the roadway or observe it approaching, pull off the road as far as safely possible and place your vehicle in park. This immediate action can prevent dangerous collisions due to reduced visibility.