Haboob moves into Coachella Valley

An haboob engulfed much of the Coachella Valley early Friday night. The National Weather Service issued a blowing dust advisory for the lower desert around 5 p.m.

A thunderstorm complex over Imperial County produced strong winds that were expected to blow dust and reduce visibility, according to the NWS in San Diego. Visibility is below six miles in the dust and below one mile in thick dust.

The reduced visibility was causing some difficulty for those driving along I-10 near Thermal and Coachella. Drivers were urged to be cautious on the road.

Meteorologists said the Anza Borrego Desert and southern Coachella Valley were impacted by the blowing dust. The advisory was in effect until 8 p.m. Friday.

Winds were mainly blowing southeast at 15 to 25 MPH with possible gusts up to 40 MPH.