Powerful winds, blowing dust cause dangerous travel conditions in Texas, OK panhandles
AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — Powerful winds and blowing dust are causing travel issues in the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles.
The winds in Guymon, Oklahoma gusted to 84 mph before Noon. Wind speeds were sustained at 63 mph.
To put that into perspective, the wind speeds in a Category 1 hurricane are 74-95 mph.
The powerful winds caused some damage in Guymon.
Kyla Baca uploaded video to abc7amarillo.com/chimein of the roof that was blown off GAB's 2nd Bag.
Oklahoma Highway Patrol responded to a 10 vehicle crash on US-54, about one mile southwest of Goodwell, Oklahoma in Texas County.
OHP said there was zero visibility.
Bryan's Corner junction (US-412 / US-83) in southwestern Beaver County was closed due to blackout conditions caused by the high wind and blowing dirt.
A six-vehicle crash south of Perryton forced the closure of the SH 70 and US Hwy 83 at the split.
There were brownout conditions in that area.
Highway 15 in Stratford was closed from the city limit to FM 119 due to a two vehicle crash.
Sherman County Emergency Management issued a warming about high winds and low visibility.
"Be extremely cautious when traveling today," said Sherman County EMA.
SH 273 was closed in Gray County at CR S (about 9 mile corner) to McLean due to a wildfire.
As of 1 p.m., the Texas Department of Public Safety had responded to three wrecks in Swisher County with tractor trailers being blown over on their side.
Dallas Smith uploaded a photo to abc7amarillo.com/chimein showing the blowing dust in Tyrone, Oklahoma.
Brenda Smith send us video of the dust on Hwy 207 between Panhandle and Borger.
The National Weather Service issued a High Wind Warning and Blowing Dust Warning until 6 p.m.
The area of biggest concern was from Guymon southeast to Wheeler with wind gusts 60-70 mph and visibility possibly dropping below 1/4 mile.
Large profile vehicles were urged to avoid driving if possible.
If driving in powerful winds or blowing dust, motorists should slow down, drive with caution and turn on their low beam headlights.
