Central California was hit by a powerful dust storm that created hazardous travel conditions and led to widespread power outages.

On Monday, November 11, 2024, the National Weather Service issued a dust storm warning for Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties, urging residents to exercise caution due to severely reduced visibility and strong winds.

In the Fresno area, thousands of customers lost power as a result of the storm, while a major accident on Highway 152 near Madera underscored the dangers on the roads. A multi-vehicle pileup involving ten vehicles forced the closure of the westbound lanes. According to the California Highway Patrol in Madera, the crash was directly caused by the storm’s impact on visibility.

The strong winds stemmed from a potent cold front that swept southward across the state on Veterans Day. WindRadar data showed gusts reaching up to 50 mph in some areas, with even higher speeds reported at higher elevations in the Sierra Nevada.