Dust Storm — Lower Columbia Basin, Oregon

2015-11-17 · Lower Columbia Basin, Oregon

Event narrative

A multi-car pile up from a dust storm on I-84 resulted in some injuries and a fatality.

Wider weather episode

A strong pacific system moved through the pacific northwest. A deep surface low provided strong surface gradients across much of the pacific northwest. This along with strong winds aloft provided several wind strong wind gusts across our area. These gusts were widespread and ranged from several gusts of 58 MPH to a gust of 99 MPH. In addition several areas reported sustained winds over several hours ranging 40-50 MPH. In addition, these strong winds resulted in blowing dust and a multi-vehicle accident occurred along I-84 near Stanfield, OR. Unfortunately there was a fatality associated with the pile up.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 603455. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.