Dust Storm, Severe Thunderstorm and Flash Flood Warnings Issued for Imperial County
IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. - A series of severe weather warnings were issued Wednesday afternoon as thunderstorms, strong winds, blowing dust and potential flash flooding impacted portions of Imperial County.
TRAFFIC ALERT: I-8 CLOSED IN EL CENTRO
Eastbound I-8 at Dogwood Road in El Centro is closed due to inclement weather conditions as of 6PM.
A SIG Alert is in effect for an unknown duration. The No. 1 and No. 2 lanes are closed due to low/downed power lines. Drivers are advised to avoid the area and use caution.
Scattered Power Outages Reported
The Imperial Irrigation District is reporting scattered power outages in Calexico, Heber and Holtville as the storm moves through the region. IID crews are responding and will inspect damage and begin repairs as conditions allow.
Residents are reminded to stay away from downed power lines, use flashlights instead of candles when possible, and never operate generators indoors or in enclosed spaces. IID is asking customers to continue following its channels for updates.
FEMA Issues several alerts for Imperial County.
The National Weather Service’s Phoenix office issued a Dust Storm Warning at 4:31 p.m. Wednesday, warning of the potential for visibility to suddenly drop to near zero. The warning was in effect until 5:30 p.m. PDT.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was also issued at 4:26 p.m. and was in effect until 5:15 p.m., while a Flash Flood Warning issued at 4:01 p.m. was scheduled to remain in effect until 7 p.m.
The National Weather Service’s Imperial Valley forecast area was experiencing thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon. At approximately 4:21 p.m., the Imperial County Airport reported thunderstorms, temperatures around 102 degrees, winds from the southeast at 28 mph and visibility of approximately three-quarters of a mile.
The weather conditions prompted warnings for motorists, particularly because blowing dust can produce dangerous and sudden reductions in visibility.
The National Weather Service advises motorists not to drive into a dust storm. If caught in one, drivers should pull as far off the roadway as possible, place their vehicle in park, turn off the headlights and keep their foot off the brake.
The agency also warned that strong to severe thunderstorms could follow behind the wall of dust.
Flash flooding is another concern during strong monsoonal thunderstorms. The National Weather Service has previously documented flash flooding and dust-related hazards in Imperial County during severe storm events. Imperial County’s hazard mitigation documentation also notes that thunderstorms have historically produced strong winds and blowing dust capable of significantly reducing visibility across the valley.
Residents and motorists are encouraged to remain alert as conditions can change rapidly, particularly near active thunderstorms and areas experiencing blowing dust or heavy rainfall.
The National Weather Service’s latest Imperial Valley forecast can be monitored through its official website.