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Critical Fire Weather Concerns; Storm Tracking Across the Plains

Combination of strong winds, dry conditions and above normal temperatures will result in elevated to critical fire weather concerns for the Southern Plains and portions of Southern California. This is part of a storm system that is tracking across the central Plains with occasional snow showers and heavier snow from the Rockies through the Central/Northern Plains. Read More >

Overview

On the afternoon of May 12, 2022 strong winds gusting to around 70mph behind a cold front lofted dust into the air. The cloud of dust quickly consolidated into a Dust Storm just behind the front as it pushed across southwest Nebraska. The Dust Storm produced near zero visibility and resulted in multiple vehicle accidents including a multi vehicle pileup on highway 30 near mile marker 160. This memorable event produced many stunning images that will not soon be forgotten!

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GOES-East GeoColor satellite image of Dust Storm moving across southwest Nebraska during the afternoon of May 12, 2022.
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Dust storm in progress at 2:26PM MDT in Grant, Nebraska (image courtesy of Lacey Parker via Facebook). Dust cloud approaching the NWS North Platte, Nebraska Weather Forecast Office 4:16PM CDT. Dust Storm in progress at the NWS North Platte, Nebraska Weather Forecast Office 4:27PM CDT.
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