Phoenix-area dust storm warning in effect, multiple highways impacted
Aug 16, 2020, 6:42 PM | Updated: 8:23 pm
(Twitter Photo/@ArizonaDOT)
(Twitter Photo/@ArizonaDOT)
PHOENIX — A dust storm warning issued Sunday night encompassed a large portion of Maricopa County and three highways, according to the National Weather Service.
The dust storm warning was set to be in effect until 8:30 p.m. and included Phoenix, Avondale, Mesa and Chandler along with Interstates 10, 17 and 8.
Impacted areas are expected to have near zero visibility.
Around 6 p.m., a crash along with a dust storm closed I-10 westbound near Picacho Peak at milepost 222, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
All westbound traffic was forced to exit I-10 at Tangerine Road.
The right lane reopened at 7:14 p.m. while the left lanes remained closed, ADOT said.
A significant weather advisory — including 50 mph winds and possible lightning — was also in effect for Maricopa County until 7 p.m.
Significant Weather Advisory for Maricopa County until 700 PM MST. https://t.co/LkJW4hXIrF #azwx #cawx pic.twitter.com/OgTyfgxnOp
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) August 17, 2020
Earlier on Sunday, weather advisories had also been issued for the North Valley and a portion of Pinal County.
West of Phoenix, a significant weather advisory for wind and possible lightning was also in effect until 7 p.m.
