Dust Storm — Imperial County West, California

2022-08-08 · Imperial County West, California

Event narrative

Near zero visibility reported by Border Patrol in blowing dust from thunderstorm outflow near the junction of Highway 78 and Highway 86 south of Salton City. No accidents or injuries were reported.

Wider weather episode

An upper-level trough combined with strong instability (SB CAPE of 2000+ J/KG) and high moisture content (PWAT of 1.7+ inches) to result in the development of strong to severe thunderstorms across portions of Riverside and Imperial Counties during the afternoon and early evening hours. A complex of thunderstorms originating from southwest Arizona moved westward through Riverside while intensifying in the process. Another complex of storms then developed near the international border and affected Imperial County.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1052330. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.