LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Thursday, March 5, is going to be a blustery day in the valley, and that could cause issues for some.
The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory from 1 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Coming from the northwest, sustained wind speeds are expected to be around 20-30 mph, with gusts of up to 45 mph in some areas in the forecast.
Tree limbs could be blown down, and a few power outages may result.
Dangerous crosswinds will exist along Highway 95 through Indian Springs, according to NWS.
As a result, Clark County's Division of Air Quality has issued a Dust Advisory for Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
"We have about 18 active monitoring stations throughout Clark County, and that's so we can get a good picture of the ambient air quality at any time, day or night," explained Kevin MacDonald, Public Information Officer for Clark County's Department of Environment & Sustainability.
"And dust, which is what we're expecting tomorrow, is one of our major issues around this time of year. And this gives us an opportunity to inform the public, that's why we're putting out the word out today," he continued.
Under windy conditions, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and children may feel better staying indoors as much as possible.
The forecast pollen levels have climbed to the "high" category as well, and will remain elevated for the next month as trees continue to bloom across the valley.
Ash, juniper, and elm are the predominant pollen types. Showering and changing after you've been outdoors, and keeping windows closed (especially when it's windy) is advised.
WATCH | Weather forecaster Guy Tannenbaum breaks down what the valley can expect, weather-wise, on Thursday:
Tips to limit exposure to dust include:
- Limit outdoor exertion on windy days when dust is in the air.
- Keep windows and doors closed.
- Run your air conditioner inside your house and car to filter out particulates.
- Consider changing your indoor air filters if they are dirty.
- To keep dust down, drive slowly on unpaved roads.
- Don’t take shortcuts across vacant lots.
Report Excessive Dust Sites
Did you know there is a hotline for dust? Clark County's Department of Environment and Sustainability runs this service to help tamper down problem areas in the valley.
Here's the number: 702-385-DUST (3878)
"Whether we have a dust storm or not tomorrow, it's important that people are aware that if there's a vacant lot near them that's blowing too much dust or a construction site blowing too much dust, they can call us and we'll come out and inspect that," explained department spokesperson Kevin MacDonald.
"We'll send someone out to take a look to make sure that everyone's doing what they're supposed to be doing to keep the dust down," he said, referring to dust permit compliance.
