A rare and powerful dust storm rolled across central Illinois on Friday, May 16, catching many people by surprise — especially in Chicago, where the city was placed under its first-ever Dust Storm Warning.
The storm kicked up around midday and swept through farmland communities before heading straight for the metro area. It brought strong winds, low visibility, and dangerous travel conditions, with roads and airports affected across the region.
🌬️ Where Did It Come From?
The storm began when gusty winds — up to 70 mph — picked up dry soil from fields in central Illinois. That loose dirt, lifted by the wind, created a thick cloud of dust that moved fast and far.
Before long, skies in parts of Bloomington, Normal, and other downstate towns turned orange and hazy. After that, it arrived in Chicago, where people saw the skyline vanish behind a huge cloud of dust.
🚗 Driving Was Risky, Flights Delayed
Visibility quickly got worse on Interstates 55, 57, and 80, making it hard and unsafe to drive. Because of the poor road conditions, police advised people to avoid traveling until things improved. Some highways were briefly closed due to crashes and very poor visibility.
The storm also affected air travel. Both O’Hare and Midway airports experienced delays, with flights grounded due to the dust and strong winds.
🌫️ Strange Skies, Mud Rain Reported
Many people in the Chicago area took to social media, sharing photos of the strange skies and thick brown haze. Some said it felt like something out of a movie — the daylight suddenly turned dim, with buildings vanishing behind dust clouds.
In some spots, the storm even brought mud rain — a rare event where the dust mixes with falling rain, leaving a muddy film on cars, windows, and streets.
🛑 What You Should Do During a Dust Storm
If you're ever caught in a dust storm — especially one this strong — here are some key tips to stay safe:
Stay indoors and keep windows and doors shut.
Avoid driving, especially on highways or open roads.
Use an air purifier if you have one to keep indoor air clean.
Wear a mask outdoors if you need to go outside, to avoid breathing in dust.
📅 Why This Matters
Dust storms like this are more common in dry, desert areas — not in the Midwest. But with drought conditions and early farming activity exposing dry soil, experts say it could become more common in places like Illinois.
The National Weather Service said this was the first time Chicago has ever been under a Dust Storm Warning, showing just how unusual this event was.
