Copyright Newsweek
The National Weather Service (NWS) warned people in Nevada to remain indoors due to strong winds that caused blowing dust in the area on Wednesday. The strong winds are indirectly caused by an atmospheric river battering California, as the storm is providing moisture to a weather system that is causing the winds in Nevada, NWS meteorologist Jon Bongard told Newsweek. Why it Matters Blowing dust and high winds have a significant impact on public safety, transportation, and health, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions. These advisories highlight increased risks of reduced visibility on highways, possible power outages, and exposure to airborne dust, which can exacerbate symptoms in vulnerable groups, including children, seniors, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory illnesses. Officials urged residents in affected areas to prepare for rapidly changing weather and road conditions. What To Know The NWS office in Elko, Nevada, issued the blowing dust advisory, along with a wind advisory, on Wednesday morning. The advisory is in place for Northern Lander County, Northern Eureka County, Southwest Elko County, and Humboldt County. The wind advisory is even more widespread, encompassing nearly the entire state. Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph created blowing dust, which could drop visibility to near zero. Motorists driving in the area will be affected, and individuals with respiratory problems are advised to remain indoors until the windstorm passes. The warning said that impacts would include "hazardous driving conditions due to reduced visibility." "Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects," the warning said. "Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Persons with respiratory problems should make preparations to stay indoors until the storm passes. In Western Nevada, a more severe high wind warning was issued for the Reno area. Gusts of up to 75 mph were expected, with ridgetop gusts potentially surging to 110 mph, equivalent to a high-end Category 2 hurricane. What People Are Saying NWS Elko in a blowing dust advisory: "Be ready for a sudden drop in visibility to near zero. 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 the lights all the way off and keep foot off the brake pedal. Remember, 'Pull Aside, Stay Alive'. Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution." NWS Reno in a high wind warning: "Now is the time to secure loose outdoor items such as patio furniture, holiday decorations, and trash cans before winds increase which could blow these items away. The best thing to do is prepare ahead of time by making sure you have extra food and water on hand, flashlights with spare batteries and/or candles in the event of a power outage." What Happens Next The blowing dust advisory is set to expire at 7 p.m. local time on Wednesday night. The wind advisory will also remain in place until 7 p.m., with the high wind warning expiring earlier in the afternoon.
