On Friday, a severe dust storm struck the Chicago area, leading to the city’s first-ever dust storm warning, according to officials. The storm, characterized by a “wall of dust,” affected neighborhoods particularly on the South Side. This unusual weather event coincided with a day of high winds, reaching up to 50 mph, and was part of a larger storm system that caused at least one deadly tornado in Missouri.
The dust swept in from the south around 6:40 p.m., bringing winds of up to 60 mph, as reported by the National Weather Service. Midway Airport recorded a 59 mph wind gust, resulting in visibility dropping to approximately a quarter-mile. The Chicago weather office commented on the event via social media, expressing surprise at the unusual occurrence.
Although a dust storm warning was previously issued for a location away from the metropolitan area on May 7, 2023, this marked a historic moment for Chicago itself, highlighting the rarity of such phenomena in the city. By 7:40 p.m., the dust storm’s intensity began to subside, and while visibility remained compromised, some improvement was noted.
This incident emphasizes the unprecedented nature of dust storms in urban settings like Chicago, which are typically not accustomed to such extreme weather conditions. The combination of high winds and low visibility posed significant challenges, prompting officials to issue alerts and reminders for residents to stay safe.
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