Blowing Dust Advisory in effect for part of central and eastern Oregon
The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory and Blowing Dust Advisory for high winds in parts of central and eastern Oregon, and sections of Washington.
Wind advisories are in effect for the Simcoe Highlands, the Yakima Valley, the Lower Columbia Basin, the Blue Mountain Foothills, and Central and North Central Oregon for Southwest Winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 45 mph. Blowing Dust Advisories are in effect for the Lower Columbia Basin and Blue Mountain Foothills for blowing dust that could reduce visibility to less than 1 mile at times.
Red Flag Warnings are in effect for the Central Mountains of Oregon, the Blue Mountains, the Columbia Basin, Wallowa County and Asotin County for gusty winds.
The Wind Advisory and Blowing Dust Advisory are in effect from 9 AM through 6 PM Saturday. A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 7 AM through 7 PM Saturday. Winds will increase through the morning with the strongest winds expected between 11 AM and 5 PM. Winds will diminish in the evening.
Hot, dry weather and high winds are increasing the risks for blowing dust that create hazardous driving conditions. Smoke from wildfires in the area is another risk factor while traveling. Drivers are cautioned to watch for blowing dust and drifting smoke that can impact your ability to see clearly. Be mindful when passing open fields and be prepared for changing driving conditions.
High winds may also create challenging driving conditions for commercial trucks, RVs and other high profile vehicle, especially when traveling unloaded. Operators of these vehicles should monitor weather and road conditions and may want to postpone travel until conditions improve.
Below are a few safety tips for driving when visibility is limited.
Slow down. Disengage your cruise control. Most crashes occur because the driver is going too fast for the weather conditions.
Use your low beams. High beam lights will reflect back off the thick fog or snow, making visibility worse for you and other drivers.
Avoid entering an area if you cannot see a safe distance ahead.
If you suddenly encounter a severe loss of visibility, pull off the pavement as far as possible. Stop, turn off your lights, set the emergency brake and take your foot off the brake to be sure the taillights are not illuminated. Turn on your emergency flashers.
If you can’t pull off the roadway, slow down, turn on your low beam headlights and sound the horn occasionally. Use the white fog line or roadside reflectors if necessary to help guide you.
Never stop in the travel lanes.
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