National Weather Service Issues First Dust Storm Warning for Chicago Amid Deadly Heartland Storms

Chicago experienced its first-ever dust storm warning as a massive dust storm raced through northern Illinois, driven by winds up to 60 mph. The National Weather Service issued alerts indicating visibility could quickly drop to near zero, creating dangerous conditions especially for motorists and people with respiratory issues. The dust originated from central Illinois’ farms and was swept up by thunderstorms, moving rapidly northward and engulfing areas such as Homewood and the Chicago metropolitan region. Officials urged drivers to pull over safely and wait out the storm, emphasizing the sudden and severe drop in visibility akin to a fog bank. The warning was active until the evening, with the storm expected to pass through within about 30 minutes. The dust storm was part of a broader severe weather system that also caused tornadoes across the nation's heartland.