Overview

• The National Weather Service has issued dust storm warnings and blowing dust advisories for parts of the Chicago area and central Illinois, with visibility dropping to as low as 500 feet in some areas.
• High winds, with gusts exceeding 50 mph, have mobilized loose soil from freshly plowed fields, creating dangerous driving conditions and triggering multiple vehicle accidents.
• Emergency crews have closed sections of key interstates, including I-55 and I-74, and officials strongly urge drivers to avoid nonessential travel until conditions improve overnight.
• A wind advisory remains in effect until midnight, with warnings of downed tree limbs and potential power outages due to the strong gusts.
• Winds are expected to ease later tonight, helping to settle the dust and improve visibility, while severe storms with hail and damaging winds remain a possibility in southern parts of the region.