The National Weather Service issued a blowing dust advisory and red flag wind warning for Southwest Colorado until 9 p.m Friday.
Southwest winds averaged 30 to 40 mph Friday, and gusts have reached 65 mph, the weather service said. Controlled fire burns are not allowed during red flag days.
An air quality advisory was in effect across Southwest Colorado until 6 p.m., according to the Colorado Department of Health and Environment.
People were advised to stay indoors – especially those with respiratory illnesses, heart disease, the elderly and children – and to avoid prolonged outdoor exercise or heavy exertion.
Blowing dust cut visibility on roads to a quarter-mile in some places, creating hazardous driving conditions. Travel was dangerous for high-profile vehicles.
Motorists driving into an area of blowing dust were advised to pull to the side of the roadway until it was safe to resume travel.
Winds may blow down trees and power lines, and power outages are possible. Residents were advised to remain in the lower levels of homes during the windstorm and to avoid windows.
According to a Nixle emergency alert, fire activity was reported on the west side of Hesperus, but no further information was available.
