Dust Storm — Imperial County Except the Lower Colorado River Valley, California

2013-08-31 · Imperial County Except the Lower Colorado River Valley, California

Event narrative

Isolated to scattered thunderstorms developed across portions of Imperial county during the late afternoon hours, and they affected communities such as Seeley and Ocotillo. The gusty thunderstorm outflow winds, estimated to be at least 40 mph, picked up considerable amounts of dust and sand and created dust storm conditions where visibilities lowered to one quarter of a mile or less. At 1612PST, a trained weather spotter 1 mile northwest of Seeley reported visibility down to 1/4 mile in dense blowing dust. The dust storm conditions led to very hazardous driving conditions across portions of Imperial county. A Dust Storm Warning was issued for the county starting at 1607PST and continuing through 1800PST.

Wider weather episode

Isolated to scattered thunderstorms moved across portions of Imperial county during the late afternoon hours on August 31st, and they generated strong and gusty outflow winds in excess of 40 mph. The strong wind gusts picked up considerable dust and sand and generated dust storm conditions which affected communities such as Seeley and Ocotillo. As a result, both Blowing Dust Advisories and Dust Storm Warnings were issued for Imperial county. No accidents or injuries were reported as a result of the dense blowing dust.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 470823. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.