Dust Storm Blankets Chicago: What to Expect as Visibility Drops to Near-Zero?

A never-before-seen dust storm swept through the Chicago area on Friday, prompting the National Weather Service to issue the city’s first dust storm warning. Visibility dropped to near zero as a "wall of dust" rolled in at approximately 6:40 PM, propelled by winds reaching up to 60 mph. Midway Airport recorded a gust of 59 mph, compounding the storm’s impact while ominous weather persisted, with a storm system linked to a deadly tornado in Missouri. Notably, this unusual phenomenon marks the second dust storm warning affecting Chicago in recent history, following one on May 7, 2023, issued outside the metropolitan area. The Chicago Weather Service quipped, “Well that was…..something,” reflecting the astonishment over such rare weather patterns. By 7:40 PM, conditions began to ease, and visibility was gradually improving, though reduced conditions lingered.

FAQs

What caused the dust storm in Chicago?
The dust storm was fueled by a strong weather system that brought high winds of up to 60 mph, significantly reducing visibility.

Is this the first dust storm warning for Chicago?
Yes, this is the first-ever dust storm warning issued specifically for the city of Chicago, although there was a previous warning outside the metropolitan area.

What were the weather conditions during the dust storm?
High winds, forecasted at 50 mph, contributed to the intense dust storm, causing visibility to fall to around a quarter-mile in affected areas.

How long did the dust storm last?
The dust storm began around 6:40 PM and started to ease by 7:40 PM, although visibility remained reduced for some time afterward.

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