Coachella Valley's Air Quality Suffers Amid Thursday Dust Storm

PALM DESERT, CA — Coachella Valley and the San Gorgonio Pass woke to unhealthy air and a windblown dust advisory that would continue in parts of Riverside County until at least noon Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

Two roads in Palm Springs were closed due to lack of visibility Thursday morning, according to the police department.

North Gene Autry Trail south of Interstate 10 to Via Escuela remained closed due to lack of visibility, while E Vista Chino between Clubhouse View and city limits was reopened as of 11:30 a.m.

Those roadways would reopen as soon as conditions allowed, according to authorities.

The Palm Springs International Airport was also under a wind advisory Thursday morning as wind gusts reached 35 knots and greater. North-to-northwest gusts were reported at 40 knots, the airport reported. Travelers were advised to check arrivals and departure timeson the airport website.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued the advisory Wednesday. It went into effect at 9 p.m. Wednesday and was set to conclude at noon Thursday.

The impacted areas include Desert Hot Springs, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Indio and Mecca.
Air quality index levels were expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse at times as a result of blowing dust, officials said.

The agency advised the public to limit exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed and avoiding vigorous physical activity.

"Run your air conditioning and/or an air purifier. If possible, do not use swamp coolers or whole house fans that bring in outside air," the group advised.

The SCAQMD is the regulatory agency responsible for improving air quality for large areas of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley. Air quality alerts can be found at www.aqmd.gov.

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