Washington state officials say people in Eastern Washington need to hunker down for a likely dust storm and possible wildfire conditions Tuesday night.
Data from the National Weather Service indicates the region is experiencing all the conditions for a dust storm: low humidity, high temperatures and wind.
“Cover your nose and mouth if possible,” said Camille St. Onge of Washington Ecology on Twitter. “If visibility is poor, try not to drive; just pull over if you’re already driving and you approach it. Stay indoors and avoid hard exercise.”
We're expecting high winds in the Columbia Basin that may affect air quality. Check out our tips on what to do. https://t.co/brztP5Cvrn pic.twitter.com/E2h3Sdaukw
— WA Department of Ecology (@EcologyWA) June 19, 2017
A dust storm in 2015 closed Highway 395 and Interstate 90 in Washington and caused a 50-car pileup on I-90.
The Washington Department of Natural Resources also said the dry weather could “challenge initial attack operations on new fires that occur across eastern Washington.”
DNR has increased the fire danger rating in Okanogan, Lincoln, Spokane and parts of Stevens counties. Those counties are also under burn restrictions.
