Gusty winds to disrupt travel, kick up dust over southwestern US

By Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist

May 19,2016; 10:07PM,EDT

 

 

Gusty winds can down tree limbs, cause sporadic power outages and kick up dust over the southwestern United States into this weekend.
A large and somewhat unusual storm for late May will move slowly across the Northwestern states this weekend with clouds and showers.
Farther south, spotty showers and thunderstorms will extend from northern California to northern Nevada and Utah.
Little or no rainfall will result from the storm, where it is needed the most in Southern California, southern Nevada, western Utah and southern Arizona.

West to southwest winds around the base of the storm will be strong and gusty on a regional basis over the Southwest states.
"Many gusts on some of the ridges, through the passes and wide valleys can reach 40-60 mph. A few gusts can reach 65 mph," according to AccuWeather Lead Storm Warning Meteorologist Eddie Walker.
Motorists on the open highways in the deserts should be prepared for sudden changes in visibility due to dust storms. Those driving through the wide open areas, over the passes and through some of the canyons could experience some difficulties due to strong crosswinds.
Gusts in the major cities can reach 40 mph and will be strong enough to break weak tree limbs and lead to sporadic power outages.

Blustery conditions are in store for Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Palm Springs, California; as well as Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada; Cedar City and Salt Lake City, Utah; and Phoenix, Yuma and Flagstaff, Arizona.
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During late May and into early June, the landscape is about as green as it gets throughout the year. However, the winds will increase the risk of rapidly spreading wildfires due to the long-term drought conditions. People should use caution with outdoor power equipment and open flames.
Winds will ease over much of the Southwest on Sunday. The corridor of strong winds will shift toward the Great Plains.