‘Blackout conditions’ due to blowing dust close roads, cause pileup in Oklahoma Panhandle

By John Dobberstein, Editor

Blowing dust is wreaking havoc in the Oklahoma Panhandle, causing a pileup of 10-12 vehicles and reducing visibility to zero.

Multiple units from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol were on scene of the pileup that blocked U.S. 54 at mile marker 21, just southwest of Goodwell in Texas County. 

Troopers on the scene said there were several commercial vehicles involved but no indications of anything other than minor injuries. “The roadway continues to be blocked and visibility continues to be zero,” OHP said at 12:45 p.m.

In Beaver County, OHP said Bryan’s Corner junction (U.S. 412-U.S.-83) was in “blackout” conditions due to high winds and blowing dirt. The highway was being shut down as of 1:15 p.m.

Fox 25 in Amarillo, Texas reported winds in Guymon, Okla. gusted up to 84 mph before noon and wind speeds were sustained at 63 mph.

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