Dust storm warning: Zero visibility, highway closures slam Illinois and Indiana
Dust storms with near-zero visibility and 60 mph wind gusts prompted warnings across Illinois and northwest Indiana, leading to road closures and multi-vehicle accidents.
A series of dangerous dust storms swept through Illinois and parts of northwest Indiana on Friday, prompting urgent warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS) and state officials. Residents were advised to avoid all non-essential travel as powerful wind gusts and rapidly deteriorating visibility created hazardous driving conditions.
Dust storm warnings were issued for numerous counties, including Kendall, LaSalle, DeKalb, Cook, DuPage, and Will in Illinois, and Lake and Porter counties in Indiana. In some areas, visibility dropped to near zero, with emergency alerts warning of "life-threatening travel" and several major highways closed due to multi-vehicle accidents.
Highways closed amid dust storm emergency
Authorities reported extremely dangerous conditions on multiple highways across Illinois and Indiana, with numerous accidents and extended closures. Specific areas affected included I-55 south of Bloomington, I-74 near LeRoy, and parts of I-39, I-57, and I-80. Interstate closures extended into Indiana, where sections of I-80, I-90, and I-65 also saw hazardous conditions.
Drivers were urged to avoid travel entirely. The National Weather Service emphasized that even brief exposure to these conditions could result in serious crashes. In some cases, winds reached speeds of up to 60 mph, sweeping dust across roadways and cutting off visibility in seconds.
Emergency alerts and safety recommendations issued
The National Weather Service and local authorities sent out emergency alerts advising drivers to follow strict safety protocols if caught in the storm. The message "Pull Aside, Stay Alive!" was broadcast across the Chicago area. Officials instructed drivers to pull far off the road, turn off vehicle lights, and keep feet off the brakes to avoid collisions from behind.
Special precautions were also urged for vulnerable populations, including infants, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, due to the heavy dust in the air. In Livingston County and other areas, police noted conditions “quickly deteriorated,” warning the public to stay home until the storm passes and winds subside.
