Windy conditions cause dust advisory, road closures
The South Coast Air Quality Management District Thursday issued a windblown dust advisory for the Coachella Valley area, effective through Friday evening.
According to the SCAQMD, strong northwest winds overnight from the San Gorgonio Pass with the passage of a weak cold front resulted in unhealthy air quality in Coachella Valley this morning.
“In addition, there have been reports in the area of airborne dust and dust coating ground surfaces,” according to a statement issued by the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
Moderate northwest winds with wind gusts up to 30 miles per hour are predicted to continue in the Coachella Valley through Friday night, according to the SCAQMD. “Additional areas in the Coachella Valley may experience elevated particulate levels as this wind event continues through today and into
tomorrow.”
In areas directly impacted by windblown dust, everyone should avoid any vigorous outdoor or indoor exertion, and people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should remain indoors, according to the agency.
The Palm Springs Police Department closed Indian Canyon at the wash due to blowing sand and poor visibility for a period of time and reopened the road just before 6:30 a.m. Friday.
SCAQMD updates can be found at here. To view current air quality conditions by region in an interactive map, click here.
