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PHOENIX – Drivers
across Arizona should be prepared for strong winds, possible blowing dust and
an increased fire danger on Thursday, April 12.
The National
Weather Service has issued advisories covering the entire state forecasting
strong winds and low humidity, conditions that could make driving hazardous in
areas prone to blowing dust and for drivers with high-profile vehicles.
Statewide,
winds of 25-30 mph are forecast, with gusts likely to reach 40 mph. Winds are
expected to increase beginning late Wednesday in western Arizona and reach the
center of the state by midday on Thursday. The strongest winds are likely in
northwest Arizona, including Kingman and Lake Havasu City. Conditions are
expected to return to normal on Friday across the state.
The Arizona
Department of Transportation encourages drivers to avoid driving into a through
a dust storm. Drivers may want to consider delaying travel until Friday.
Drivers
should slow down after checking traffic around their vehicle and completely
exit the highway if possible. Additional safety tips from
PullAsideStayAlive.org:
* Pull
entirely off the highway if possible.
* Turn off all
vehicle lights, set the parking brake and take your foot off the brake to
reduce the likelihood of being hit by following drivers.
* Remain in
your vehicle with your seatbelts buckled.
* Wait for the
storm to pass.
For current
road and weather conditions, passengers should check on Twitter with ADOT
(@ArizonaDOT) and the National Weather Service (@NWSPhoenix and @NWSTucson).
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