Dust Storm — Montgomery, Illinois

2023-05-01 · Montgomery, Illinois

Event narrative

Northwest winds gusting from 35-40 mph lofted dust from newly plowed farm fields resulting in near zero visibility across portions of northern Montgomery County in Illinois. The blowing dust significantly reduced visibility across portions of I-55 from Zanesville (Exit 63) north to Glenarm (Exit 83 ' Sangamon County in WFO ILX), causing major accidents and resultant road closures. The first accident occurred around 10:55 am. Seventy-two vehicles were involved in the crashes that occurred in Montgomery County with 8 deaths, which happened along a 6-mile stretch of I-55 (between mile markers 72 and 78). Two semi trucks also caught fire. Also, 37 people, ages 2 to 80, were transported to area hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to critical.

Wider weather episode

Northwest winds gusting from 35-40 mph lofted dust from newly plowed farm fields resulting in near zero visibility across portions of northern Montgomery County, southern Sangamon County, and southwestern Christian County in Illinois. The blowing dust significantly reduced visibility across portions of I-55 from Zanesville (Montgomery County) north to Glenarm (Sangamon County ' WFO ILX), causing major accidents and resultant road closures. The first accident occurred around 10:55 am. Seventy-two vehicles were involved in the crashes with 8 deaths, which happened along a 2-mile stretch of I-55. Two semi trucks also caught fire.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1103305. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.