Dust Storm — Central Deserts, Arizona

2009-12-22 · Central Deserts, Arizona

Event narrative

A sudden drop in visibility due to local blowing dust contributed to a massive pileup in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 10 on Tuesday morning. Winds at the time of the accident were estimated to be about 40 mph. About 9 trucks and 13 automobiles were involved in the accidents. Some vehicles caught on fire. Three fatalities and 14 injuries were reported.

Wider weather episode

Winds increased in advance of a cold front and picked up considerable dust and soil from a field adjacent to Interstate 10 in Casa Grande.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 200377. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.