Strong winds could cause dangerous dust storms, forecasters say

Powerful winds could kick up clouds of dust and reduce visibility to dangerous levels in the Antelope Valley and other areas of Southern California, forecasters said Wednesday night.

Gusts up to 50 mph could create hazardous driving conditions in the Antelope Valley and Grapevine area Wednesday night, according to the National Weather Service.

“There will be areas of blowing sand and dust … reducing visibility to near zero at times,” the agency said in a statement. “Strong crosswinds will cause hazardous driving conditions for drivers of high-profile vehicles.”

Gusts in the 45-mph range were expected in the mountain areas of Santa Barbara County, the Weather Service said.

In San Luis Obispo County, swirling dust prompted an air-quality alert in the Nipomo Mesa area, officials said Wednesday.

The high winds were expected to last through early Thursday.

On Tuesday, high winds caused a blistering sandstorm that forced authorities to close the 14 Freeway near Lancaster. Several vehicle accidents and injuries were reported, the California Highway Patrol said.

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