Blowing Dust Warning Issued for Dundy County; Dangerous Brownout Conditions Expected

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Goodland, Kansas, has issued a Blowing Dust Warning (NWS code: DUW) for the region. The alert was issued at 12:50 PM CST and remains in effect until 6:00 PM CST (5:00 PM MST) this afternoon.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts Dundy County. Residents should expect widespread blowing dust and brownout conditions throughout the area.

What You Should Do

Officials urge residents to take the following precautions:

• Stay Indoors: Remain inside to avoid poor air quality. If you must go outside, wear a protective breathing mask. High dust concentrations can cause respiratory problems, decrease lung activity, and aggravate asthma.
• Travel Safety: Be ready for a sudden drop in visibility to near zero. If you encounter blowing dust or sand on the roadway, pull off the road as far as possible and put your vehicle in park. Turn your lights all the way off and keep your foot off the brake pedal. Remember: “Pull Aside, Stay Alive.”
• Health Monitoring: Those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, the elderly, and children should be especially careful as conditions may lead to heart-related problems.

Expected Conditions

Numerous plumes of blowing dust will continue across the region. Brownout conditions are anticipated up to five miles downwind of the source of each plume. These conditions will result in severely limited visibilities, making travel dangerous and possibly life-threatening.

Timeline

The Blowing Dust Warning is effective immediately and is scheduled to expire at 6:00 PM CST (5:00 PM MST) on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.