Adams County, Washington — A wall of blowing dust is racing across northeastern Adams County this afternoon, and the National Weather Service in Spokane has issued a Dust Storm Warning until 4:00 PM Pacific time.

What is happening:

At 3:16 PM Pacific, satellite imagery picked up a dense dust channel about 11 miles northeast of Ritzville — roughly 33 miles southwest of Cheney — moving northeast at 30 miles per hour. The warning covers northeastern Adams County in eastern Washington.

This is a blowing-dust event, not a thunderstorm: fine dust and strong wind, with no rain to settle it.

Local impacts:

Visibility inside the dust is dropping below a quarter of a mile, with wind gusts topping 40 miles per hour. That combination can wipe out sight lines on open highways in seconds. Expect hazardous driving on area roads, including routes between Ritzville and Cheney.

What to do:

- If you are driving, slow down and be ready to pull completely off the road — well clear of travel lanes — if visibility drops.

- Turn on your headlights and hazard lights so others can see you.

- Do not stop in the roadway. If you pull over, turn off your lights so drivers behind you don't follow your taillights into your vehicle.

Source: National Weather Service, Spokane WA. Issued September 25, 2026. Reported by TNW News.