Weather Service Issues Dust Alert for Eastern Washington

The National Weather Service issued a weather alert for Eastern Washington on October 9, 2026, warning drivers about blowing dust that could reduce visibility across the Columbia Plateau and advising motorists to prepare for sudden roadway changes.

The alert remained in effect until 7 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. The agency warned that patchy to localized areas of blowing dust could affect travel conditions.

The National Weather Service said drivers who encounter blowing dust or blowing sand should pull off the road as far as possible and put vehicles in park.

"Patchy to localized areas of blowing dust may reduce visibility across the Columbia Plateau early this evening. Be ready for sudden changes in visibility. If you encounter blowing dust or blowing sand on the roadway or see it approaching, pull off the road as far as possible and put your vehicle in park. Remember, 'Pull Aside, Stay Alive'," said the National Weather Service, weather agency.

The weather alert was published by The News Tribune, which reported that the content was created using AI based on templates reviewed and edited by newsroom journalists.