Dust Storm — Moses Lake Area, Washington

2020-11-07 · Moses Lake Area, Washington

Event narrative

A member of the public in Soap Lake reported visibility less than half a mile due to blowing dust from strong winds.

Wider weather episode

A low pressure system pushing south through the region brought cooler air and strong winds from the north on November 7th. The gusty north winds blew across central Washington with some of the strongest gusts occurring in the Okanogan Valley and across portions of Douglas and Grant counties. Winds were reported to reach gusts of 35-45 mph in numerous locations across the Columbia Basin. With recently very dry conditions, the strong winds blew dust and ash from recent burn scars. Visibility reductions as low as a mile were observed around Ephrata and Moses Lake.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 928978. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.