A significant dust storm swept across the Chicago area on Friday, resulting in the city’s first-ever dust storm warning, according to officials. The storm hit around 6:40 p.m., driven by high winds of up to 60 mph, which accompanied a broader weather system responsible for a deadly tornado in Missouri. Areas such as the South Side experienced severe conditions, with Midway Airport recording gusts of 59 mph and visibility dropping to about a quarter-mile.
The dust storm originated from the south and quickly moved northward. The National Weather Service (NWS) noted the rarity of such a phenomenon in Chicago, highlighting that while a dust storm warning had been issued on May 7, 2023, it did not pertain to the metropolitan area itself. The NWS Chicago office humorously remarked on social media, “Well that was…..something,” acknowledging the unprecedented nature of the event.
By 7:40 p.m., the intensity of the dust storm began to ease, with visibility slowly improving, although conditions remained less than optimal. This rare weather occurrence prompted reactions from residents and officials alike, marking an unusual event in the city’s climate history. The storm underscored the impact of severe weather patterns and the potential for unusual meteorological events, raising awareness about changing weather dynamics in urban areas.
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