Dust Storm — Western Nevada Basin and Range, Nevada

2009-11-20 · Western Nevada Basin and Range, Nevada

Event narrative

The Nevada Highway Patrol reported that, at 1218PST, near zero visibility caused a large accident on westbound Interstate 80 about 20 miles east of Fernley. The accident involved 4 tractor trailer rigs, 3 pickups, and an SUV and caused one fatality along with 7 injuries. Elsewhere, there were numerous trees and power lines down as well as major damage to one house in Fernley (due to fallen tree).

Here are some high wind gusts which contributed to the dust storm: Pyramid Lake Fisheries with 60 mph at 1045PST, Silver Springs AWOS with 70 mph at 1315PST, and the Fallon ASOS with 59 mph at 1344PST.

Wider weather episode

A fast-moving storm brought widespread strong and damaging winds to western and west-central Nevada on November 20. There was also up to 3 inches of snowfall for portions of far western Nevada.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 200250. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.