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7mo ago

Chicago's First Dust Storm in 91 Years Leaves City Dust-Covered and Car Washes Overwhelmed

The rare late-spring event was driven by strong winds lifting topsoil from central Illinois, prompting unprecedented warnings and widespread local impacts.

NHRA top fuel drivers Clay Millican, left, and Tony Stewart race as a dust storm approaches the track during qualifying for the Route 66 Nationals at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet on May 16, 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)

Overview

  • The National Weather Service issued Chicago's first-ever dust storm warning on Friday, lasting until 8:30 p.m., due to hazardous low-visibility conditions.
  • Strong thunderstorm outflow winds, with gusts up to 60 mph, carried dust from freshly tilled fields in central Illinois into downtown Chicago.
  • This marked the first dust storm in Chicago since 1934, highlighting the historical rarity of such an event in the region.
  • The storm caused visibility to drop to a quarter mile in some areas, leading to crashes and statewide travel advisories.
  • Residents flocked to car washes over the weekend and into Monday to clean dust-caked vehicles, creating long wait times and increased business for local operators.