FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KMJ/KFSN) — Strong winds kicked up massive dust clouds across Central California on Monday, creating dangerous travel conditions for drivers and leaving thousands without power.
The National Weather Service in Hanford issued a Dust Storm Warning for central Fresno County, which was allowed to expire around 3:30 pm.
Officials say the storm swept through Fresno County, making it difficult to see in several areas, including Clovis, Fresno, Selma, and Fowler.
KMJ’S News Partner ABC 30 received photos from ABC30 Insider Melissa Anaya, who captured pictures of a huge cloud of dust creeping over Highway 198.
Traffic cameras along the highway near Plaza Drive in the Goshen area captured drivers traveling through a hazy layer of dust. Many drivers could be seen using their headlights in the daylight as the dust reduced visibility.
In Corcoran, another driver reported having to pull over as dust made the roadway nearly impossible to see.
The storm also swept through Madera County, where it caused a 10-car crash involving a semi-truck on Highway 152 near Road 17.
The southbound Highway 99 connector to Highway 152 was closed due to the crash, but has since reopened.
The powerful winds have also knocked out power for more than 5,000 PG&E customers across Fresno and Madera counties.
You can stay up to date with the latest PG&E power outages by clicking here.
