'Brown out' conditions due to powerful winds causing pileups in Texas panhandle
AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — Powerful winds are kicking up dust across the Texas panhandle which is making it tough, if not impossible, for drivers to see on some roads.
According to the Department of Public Safety, as many as right vehicles, including a big rig, were involved in a crash at Loop 335 and S. Grand Street.
It happened about 3:10 p.m.
DPS said a driver who couldn't see anything because of the "brown out" conditions slammed on their breaks, starting a chain reaction crash.
No injuries were reported.
The Randall County Sheriff's Office asked drivers to avoid Loop 335 from Grand to Farmers due "high winds, blowing dust and vehicles stopped on the roadway."
Another low visibility crash happened in Randall County at Helium and FM 2219.
According to DPS, a semi, a pickup and an SUV collided around 2:40 p.m.
Three people were transported to BSA Hospital, including one in serious condition.
Around 1 p.m., DPS also responded to a crash between two semis at US 281 and FM 2577 in Hartley County.
The National Weather Service reported the blowing dust was reducing visibility below one mile.
Here are some of the strongest wind gusts Tuesday:
- 69 mph - Amarillo
- 62 mph- Texline
- 59 mph - Dalhart
- 58 mph - Fritch
- 56 mph Vega, Hereford, Canyon
