Central Illinois, IL – The National Weather Service has issued a Dust Storm Warning for central Illinois, effective until 8:15 PM CDT Tuesday. Strong winds and loose dirt in fields are causing near-zero visibility, posing significant risks for motorists.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, several accidents have been reported this afternoon due to the hazardous conditions. The warning encompasses areas including Bloomington, Decatur, and Champaign, affecting nearly 780,000 residents. Major highways impacted include I-39, I-474, and I-155.
The dust storm has created life-threatening travel conditions, with authorities urging residents to avoid travel within the warning area. For those who must drive, extreme caution is advised. Visibility can drop suddenly, making it difficult to see other vehicles, road signs, and signals. Motorists are encouraged to pull over to the side of the road if visibility becomes too poor to continue safely.
