Multiple crashes reported as dust storm sweeps across western Kansas
A powerful dust storm swept across western Kansas on March 14, 2025, leading to multiple vehicle crashes and the closure of several highways.
Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) Trooper Tod shared a video from his patrol car showing the extreme conditions on Highway 40 east of Sharon Springs, where visibility was reduced because of blowing dust.
The severe dust storm was driven by a strong low-pressure system, which brought high wind speeds exceeding 80 km/h (50 mph). The combination of dry soil conditions and powerful winds led to widespread dust transport, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of road accidents.
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) confirmed, as of 18:00 LT (23:00 UTC), that several major highways were closed because of dangerous driving conditions. US-24 was shut down in both directions, while US-40 remained closed between Oakley and Sharon Springs. K-27 was closed from Goodland to Tribune, and Interstate 70 (I-70) saw westbound lane closures from Goodland to WaKeeney, with eastbound lanes shut down between Goodland and Oakley.
The closures were enforced due to low visibility caused by the dust storm and multiple reported crashes in the affected areas. KDOT advised drivers to seek alternative routes and avoid travel until conditions improve.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) issued an Air Quality Health Advisory on March 14 due to high concentrations of airborne dust and smoke from wildfires in Oklahoma and eastern Kansas. The advisory warns that the Air Quality Index (AQI) could range from unhealthy to hazardous during peak conditions.
According to the KDHE, healthy individuals should limit outdoor physical activities, while those with respiratory conditions, young children, and older adults should remain indoors. To maintain indoor air quality, doors and windows should be kept closed, and air conditioners should be operated with clean air filters. Anyone experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or severe fatigue is urged to seek medical attention immediately.
The extreme wind conditions associated with the low-pressure system caused widespread power outages in Kansas and Missouri. Energy provider Evergy reported more than 24 800 outages across its service areas, as of 17:45 LT (22:45 UTC).
“Strong winds are currently rolling through the Evergy service area. Crews are in the field and will continue to restore power as quickly as they safely can,” Evergy Communications Manager Kaley Bohlen stated.
The outages affected northeast Kansas, with Evergy reporting approximately 680 localized outages across various parts of the state.
Meteorologists reported that the storm carried great amounts of dust from agricultural fields, a common occurrence in the region during prolonged dry spells. The storm also transported smoke from active wildfires, exacerbating air quality issues.
References:
1 WATCH: KHP Trooper shares video of dust storm in western Kansas – 13 WIBW – March 15, 2025
2 Kansas highways shut down due to crashes, blowing dust – ksnt.com – March 14, 2025
3 Power outages reported across Kansas, Missouri – ksnt.com – March 14, 2025
Featured image credit: Trooper Tod KHP Hays, Kansas
Rishika holds a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India, where she earned a gold medal, and an MCA from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Previously, she served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. During her tenure, she contributed as a Junior Writer for Europe Monitor on the Global Politics website and as an Assistant Editor for The World This Week. Her work has also been published in The Hindu newspaper, showing her expertise in global affairs. Rishika is also a recipient of the Women Empowerment Award at the district level in Haryana, India, in 2022.
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