Dust Storm — Imperial Valley, California

2022-08-24 · Imperial Valley, California

Event narrative

Near zero visibility reported in the area of Dogwood Road and East Keystone Road in Imperial in blowing dust due to thunderstorm outflow. No accidents or injuries were reported.

Wider weather episode

A very moist (PWATs 2.0+ inches) and unstable (MLCAPE 2000-3000 J/KG) air mass led to a very conducive environment for vigorous thunderstorm activity across portions of southeast California. Thunderstorms first developed across the higher terrain near Joshua Tree National Park as well as across the mountains of Northern Baja California. With the upper-level flow from the west, these thunderstorms moved eastward into Imperial and Riverside counties, moving into the very moist and unstable air mass. Radar estimated rainfall amounts were upwards of 2-3 inches in some areas, with most of the rain falling in less than 2 hours. There were several incidences of flash flooding and wind impacts around the region. The biggest impact of the day was a washout of a section of eastbound lanes along Interstate-10, which is a major throughway for ground traffic between Phoenix, AZ and Los Angeles, CA. This caused major traffic delays and detours.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1054031. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.