Experts Predict Arizona Drought Will Threaten Driver Safety During Dust Storms

By Holliday Moore
Published: Wednesday, February 28, 2018 - 10:17am
Updated: Sunday, March 4, 2018 - 8:17am

Sure, rain moved through Arizona this week, but it did little to help the southwest region's growing drought problem where two-thirds of Arizona already faces severe to extreme drought conditions, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

On Wednesday, Arizona's Department of Transportation, Environmental Quality and the National Weather Service discussed how the drought will impact farmlands and blowing dust problems.

Last year, the Arizona Department of Transportation reported 85 auto accidents were caused during severe dust storms.

Ken Waters with the National Weather Service said the conditions are particularly dangerous along farming corridors near Casa Grande, Picacho Peak and in southeastern Arizona.

In a particularly prone area along I-10, near the New Mexico state line, farmers used a glue-like material last season to temporarily seal vacant fields along Interstate 10. But, the DEQ reported it eventually washed away with rain.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated to reflect the correct dust sealant product and location.

Science