Strong Wind — Sangamon, Illinois

2017-05-17 · Sangamon, Illinois

Event narrative

Southerly winds gusting to around 45mph created considerable blowing dust that resulted in visibility around zero at times. As a result of the dust, a fatal traffic accident occurred on I-72 near New Berlin.

Wider weather episode

Strong southerly winds gusting to between 35 and 45mph lifted dust from recently dried fields to create significant reductions in visibility across central Illinois during the afternoon and evening of May 17th. Blowing dust cut the visibility to near zero in some locations, prompting closures of several major roadways. Portions of I-72 on the south side of Springfield, as well as near New Berlin were closed for a time. I-55 near McLean and IL-104 between I-55 and Auburn were temporarily closed as well. Numerous traffic accidents occurred due to the blowing dust, including two that resulted in fatalities. One person died in an accident on I-72 near New Berlin, and another person was killed in a 6-car accident on Route 36 near Tuscola.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 695564. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.