A sudden drop in visibility to near zero can turn a routine drive into a life-threatening situation, and that’s exactly what residents across Nevada are being warned about as severe winds whip up massive clouds of dust. The National Weather Service has issued widespread advisories with gusts in some areas reaching the strength of a high-end Category 2 hurricane. The conditions are being driven by moisture from a powerful atmospheric river slamming into California, feeding a weather system now battering Nevada.
Meteorologist Jon Bongard says southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph, have already produced dangerous blowing dust in Northern Lander County, Northern Eureka County, Southwest Elko County, and Humboldt County. It’s even more extreme in Western Nevada, where Reno is under a high wind warning with 75 mph gusts forecast, and ridgetop gusts could reach as high as 110 mph. Such force may knock down trees, damage power lines, and send unsecured objects flying.
But the hazards extend well beyond property damage. Blowing dust can have serious consequences on respiratory health, particularly for children, senior citizens, and individuals with asthma or chronic lung conditions of the lungs. Dust particles can get around the body’s natural defenses and settle deep in the lungs, potentially causing irritation and inflammation or other long-term damage. Researchers have found that outdoor workers exposed to a dusty environment have greatly increased rates of coughing and wheezing, and impaired lung function, compared to non-exposed people. Short-term exposure during a storm can also trigger asthma attacks or breathing difficulties, making it critical for susceptible people to stay inside.
For those on the road, there is a clear message from NWS Elko: “Pull Aside, Stay Alive.” If a wall of dust approaches, pull as far off the pavement as possible, place your vehicle in park, turn off all lights, and keep your foot off the brake pedal so tail lights are not visible to other drivers. This reduces the risk of collisions in near-zero visibility. When possible, motorists should avoid areas where dust storms are occurring, and high-profile vehicles such as trucks or buses should exercise extreme caution since strong gusty winds may cause loss of control or vehicle tipping.
Preparing in advance of the winds rising is key. NWS Reno urges residents to bring in or secure outdoor items, such as patio furniture, trash cans, and holiday decorations-anything that can become airborne. Some other measures people can take include stocking an emergency supply of food and water, along with flashlights and spare batteries, and candles in case the power goes out. Those residents in mobile homes are encouraged to identify a sturdy building they can seek shelter in, as such structures can easily be compromised in high winds.
Protecting respiratory health during dust storms involves more than just staying indoors. If one needs to go outside, a properly fitted mask, known as an N95 mask, is designed to filter out fine particles. Indoors, shut windows and doors, and put air purifiers containing HEPA filters into operation to reduce airborne dust. Anyone with chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, should always have medication, inhalers, and other needed equipment on hand since emergency services may be delayed due to bad weather.
These conditions are expected to continue through advisories that expire at 7 p.m. local time, but meteorologists will keep a close eye on wind speeds and visibility. Because of the unpredictability of storm systems associated with atmospheric rivers, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant for updates from local authorities and the NWS. The current system is part of a larger pattern of weather bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the West Coast; while it will have the welcome effect of relieving certain areas stricken by drought, it also presents some serious hazards inland. The combination of hurricane-force gusts and choking dust dramatically reminds Nevada communities how quickly weather can turn dangerous. Staying indoors, securing property, and protecting the lungs are not precautions but essential steps to safely ride out the storm.
