PHOENIX — The National Weather Service (NWS) advised Arizonans to be cautious as a dust storm made its way through portions of metro Phoenix Monday evening.
NWS initially said that outflow winds from showers in western Pinal County were blowing dust south of Phoenix along State Route 347 around 5 p.m.
Those winds then blew what the weather authority described as “a wall of dust” toward metro Phoenix around 6 p.m. NWS told Arizonans that the dust would make its way through south and central portions of metro Phoenix over the next hour causing reductions in visibility. NWS advised anyone traveling to be cautious.
Light showers did fall over the Valley on Monday morning and Tom Frieder with NWS said it was likely that showers would scatter rain across the Valley for the next few days.
What should motorists do when a dust storm hits?
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) partnered with the Arizona Department of Health Service, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs and NWS to compile tips for drivers when hazardous weather hits, such as dusty conditions.
ADOT advised motorists to never drive into a dust storm and said it’s best to exit the highway as safely as possible.
Motorists who are unable to exit before the storm hits should follow the Pull Aside, Stay Alive safety tips.
First, check the traffic around you and start slowing down.
Then, safely pull off the paved portion of the roadway. Do not stop in the travel lanes or on the shoulder.
After that, put the emergency break on, turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers, and take your foot off the brake. This will prevent lights from your vehicle from acting as a guide to any vehicles behind you, possibly leading them to crash into your parked car.
Finally, keep your seatbelt fastened and wait until the dust storm ends.
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