Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and across the country are continuing to examine the causes of these clouds of dust, with weather patterns, wind speed and direction, and loose farmland soil the key ingredients. Researchers are looking into ways farmers can reduce the risk of these dust storms occurring, including ways to adjust their management practices.
Some examples of these farmers’ management practices can include:
- Farmers can reduce their number of tillage passages, particularly in areas close to busy highways.
- Reduced erosion, enhanced water infiltration, and decreased water evaporation can lead to better soil productivity and less dry soil.
- Strip-till and no-till fields show an increase in soil organic matter and moisture retention.
- Adding cover crops can also combat soil erosion and help hold soil in place.
Unpredictable weather conditions are a major factor in the formation of dust storms. Below average rainfall contributes to drier than normal soil, and high winds increase the chances for blowing dust. Bad luck is also a contributor, as wind direction plays a pivotal role if there are nearby high-traffic roadways. These types of storms form very quickly, and drivers have little time to react or wait for warnings from authorities.
One of the most harrowing dust storms of recent memory took place on May 1, 2023, on Interstate 55 south of Springfield. Near the Sangamon/Montgomery County line at about 10:50 a.m., very high winds created a thick, black wall of dust 200 feet high out of the northwest. This black cloud crossed directly over the interstate, creating dangerous conditions and zero visibility. According to the Illinois Farm Bureau, there was no field activity taking place in nearby fields during the dust storm.
Drivers encountering the dust storm had no time to react, as they went from bright daylight to plunging immediately into darkness. The resulting pile-ups and crashes involved over 80 vehicles, and in the end, there were eight fatalities and many more injured. Eyewitness accounts and first responders described some of the most terrifying scenes imaginable in the moments after the tragedy.
Earlier this month, the National Weather Service issued the first-ever dust storm warning for the city of Chicago. This dust storm was caused by strong winds that originated from severe thunderstorms near Bloomington and Champaign. These storms raced northeast and picked up dust while sweeping across dry farmland.
What to do if you are caught in a dust storm
According to the National Weather Service, a dust storm usually arrives suddenly in the form of an advancing wall of dust and debris which may be miles long and several thousand feet high. They strike with little warning, making driving conditions hazardous. Blinding, choking dust can quickly reduce visibility, causing accidents that may involve chain collisions, creating massive pileups. Dust storms usually last only a few minutes, but the actions a motorist takes during the storm may be the most important of his or her life.
- If dense dust is observed blowing across or approaching a roadway, pull your vehicle off the pavement as far as possible, stop, turn off lights, set the emergency brake, take your foot off of the brake pedal to be sure the tail lights are not illuminated.
Why no lights? In the past, motorists driving in dust storms have pulled off the roadway, leaving lights on. Vehicles approaching from the rear and using the advance car's lights as a guide have inadvertently left the roadway and in some instances collided with the parked vehicle. Make sure all of your lights are off when you park off the roadway.
- Don't enter the dust storm area if you can avoid it.
- If you can't pull off the roadway, proceed at a speed suitable for visibility, turn on lights and sound horn occasionally. Use the painted center line to help guide you. Look for a safe place to pull off the roadway.
- Never stop on the traveled portion of the roadway.