Dust storm hits Spokane; National Weather Service warns zero visibility possible

A dust storm warning is in effect for the Spokane area until about 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, with the National Weather Service warning of zero visibility in some areas.

Drivers should be prepared to stop, the agency said.

“Be prepared for sudden visibility that drops to zero,” the warning said, adding that drivers should “pull over and stay alive.”

Drivers should park their cars, not press the brakes and turn off their headlights if they are blown away by dust, the agency said.

If someone can’t stop, the Washington Department of Transportation advises drivers to turn on their lights and slow down.

Infants, the elderly and people with respiratory problems are also advised to exercise caution in dusty conditions.

A thick layer of dust could already be seen blowing over downtown Spokane around 4:20 p.m. The weather service said areas south and west of Spokane, such as Ritzville, could still be affected until 5:30 p.m.