With an Angel Peak wind gust of 72 mph and Red Rock reaching 52 mph, the National Weather Service on Sunday afternoon issued a dust storm warning for the Las Vegas Valley.
“We are in the thick of it and we can expect winds just as strong if not stronger for the next 4 to 5 hours,” said weather service meteorologist Trevor Boucher. “At least until the sun goes down.”
Sustained winds of 30-40 mph with gusts to 65 mph were forecast until 11 p.m.
Angel Peak had a gust of 72 mph at 3:10 p.m. while Red Rock National Conservation Area had a gust of 52 mph at 2:34 p.m. Harry Reid International Airport logged a 44 mph gust at 2:12 p.m.
Motorists should expect to see reduced visibility for up to a quarter-mile along the Interstate 15 corridor near the Nevada-California border.
“Drive with caution,” the weather service stated, noting that motorists should pull over if they spot dense, blowing dust.
The warning was to expire at 4 p.m., but Boucher said it likely would be extended or a new warning issued.
Children, the older populations and those with respiratory issues were “urged to take precautions,” the weather service said.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Contact Marvin Clemons at mclemons@reviewjournal.com or 702-863-4285. Follow @Marv_in_Vegas on Twitter. Review-Journal reporter Ricardo Torres-Cortez contributed to this report.
