Dangerous Dust Storm Sweeps Across Chicagoland: Visibility Near Zero, Travel Discouraged
High winds and extremely dry conditions triggered a severe dust storm across parts of Chicagoland Friday evening, prompting urgent warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS) and widespread travel disruptions. With gusts exceeding 50 mph and bone-dry, freshly plowed fields feeding the storm, visibility plummeted to as low as 500 feet in some locations, creating life-threatening travel conditions and multiple accidents on major roadways.
A dust storm warning remains active for several counties across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana. Specifically, the warning extends until 8:30 p.m. for Kendall, northern LaSalle, northwestern Will, and southern DeKalb counties in Illinois, along with Porter and Lake counties in Indiana. Additional alerts have been issued for Kane, Cook, DuPage, and southeastern DeKalb counties. Emergency alerts urged residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary and to be prepared for abrupt drops to zero visibility.
A dust storm warning is in effect until 8:30 PM CDT for I-190, I-290, I-294, I-355 near Chicago, IL–IN. pic.twitter.com/rmMBGFnV8g
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) May 16, 2025
The situation is especially dire along several major interstates, where authorities have reported crashes and road closures. Officials cited “life-threatening travel” on stretches of I-39, I-55, I-57, I-80, I-90, I-94, I-294, I-355, and I-290, as well as Indiana’s I-80, I-90, I-94, and I-65. In DeWitt County, near Interstate 74, emergency crews responded to a multi-vehicle crash believed to be caused by the dust storm and near-zero visibility. Police in Livingston County described rapidly worsening conditions and urged residents to avoid travel altogether.
Meteorologists say the high winds are a continuation of a weather system that moved through the region on Thursday. While parts of Chicagoland received rain, large portions were left dry, leaving the topsoil loose and vulnerable to being swept into the air. These airborne particulates have created massive walls of dust, captured in dramatic photos and videos shared online.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve later in the evening as wind gusts begin to subside, potentially dropping below 30 mph. However, officials continue to stress caution, especially on open and rural roads. The NWS has advised drivers encountering dust storms to follow safety protocol: pull far off the road, put the car in park, turn off headlights and brake lights, and remain in the vehicle until visibility improves. This precaution is especially critical for infants, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions who may be more vulnerable to airborne particles.
As dust clouds continue to move across the region, authorities and meteorologists alike emphasize the seriousness of the event. “Pull Aside, Stay Alive,” the NWS message warned. Until the winds die down and visibility clears, residents are urged to remain indoors and avoid any unnecessary travel.
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