Strong winds in Visalia kicked up a dust storm on Monday that hindered visibility, and sparked a pileup involving 20 cars in Chowchilla.
Leaves and other debris swirled across Main Street in Visalia as high winds and rain blew through downtown Monday. Visibility dropped briefly to 100 feet in some places as winds gusted to nearly 20 MPH.
High winds uprooted a large pine tree on Whispering Pines Court east of Giddings Street in Visalia on Monday. No injuries were reported.
The National Weather Service office in Hanford issued a dust storm warning around 2 p.m. Monday, warning that near-zero visibility would be experienced throughout the area.
Local news station ABC 30 reported the dust storm triggered a 20-car pile-up and minor injuries for some drivers. Officers told the station that all lanes on the westbound side of Highway 152 were closed due to the large crash.
The National Weather Service issued an emergency alert to phones regarding the dust storm at around 2:12 p.m. PT, according local news station Fox 26.
Video captures intense dust storm
Video of the dust storm shows the strong winds stirring up dirt and debris in downtown Visalia and the moment the tree fell.
What should I do in a dust storm if I am driving?
Dust storms are common occurrences in desert areas as high winds pick up loose dust. Across the southwest from California to Arizona these occurrences can happen at a moment’s notice. The National Weather Service gives tips on how to stay safe:
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If dense dust is observed blowing across or approaching a roadway, pull your vehicle off the pavement as far as possible, stop, turn off lights, set the emergency brake, take your foot off of the brake pedal to be sure the tail lights are not illuminated.
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Don’t enter the dust storm area if you can avoid it.
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If you can’t pull off the roadway, proceed at a speed suitable for visibility, turn on lights and sound the horn occasionally. Use the painted centerline to help guide you. Look for a safe place to pull off the roadway.
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Never stop on the traveled portion of the roadway.
Visalia Times-Delta photographer Ron Holman contributed to this report.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Watch intense dust storm whip through central California near Fresno
