My prayers go out to all areas involved in the recent dust storm outbreak.
On the evening of May 16^th, a powerful dust storm moved through northern Illinois and northwest Indiana. This line of wind affected all of Chicago, the suburbs of Chicago, along with northwest Indiana. It moved through and delivered unsafe breathing conditions for all, especially anyone on oxygen or with a breathing condition.

Some Details of the 05/16/25 Outbreak:

On May 16, 2025, a rare dust storm, possibly a Haboob, hit the Chicago area, causing major visibility problems and strong winds. The storm was caused by powerful winds from severe thunderstorms in central Illinois, which lifted dust from dry farmland, creating a dust wall that covered the city. Visibility nearly disappeared and winds exceeded 60 mph during the storm. The dust storm began near Bloomington, Illinois, and moved northeast into Chicago. It severely reduced visibility and produced strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 70 mph in some areas. The dust particles were so microfine, that screens in windows did little to alleviate any of the fine particulate matter, hence being of danger with those with windows being open, or who did not have air conditioning. THe condition did excess wear and tear on all mechanical equipment, including vehicles, passenger and truck, trains, air conditioning equipment, and air filtering equipment. The area of Illinois and its equipment is not prepared to be able to handle the excess dirt particles, because the proper equipment used in areas that have more frequent haboobs already have installed filtering equipment to block the particles. Also the protocol of pulling over and turning off engines is not frequently a known procedure in the upper midwest. The National Weather Service suggested that this storm could be classified as a Haboob due to its intensity.

Courtesy of National Weather Service

National Weather Service Imagery:

Courtesy of National Weather Service

See Video on YouTube:

Video: @Jerry Marquardt on YouTube – Dust Storm Outbreak in Illinois & Indiana: 05-16-25

See some Images:

See Tips: Preparedness Before, During & After a Tornado (watch for updated spring/summer weather safety series starting April):

The Danger of High Winds ’25 – Spring & Summer Weather Series + Resources

The Disaster Toolkit – 2025 + Resources For the Home, Family & Financial Recovery

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ILLINOIS/INDIANA DUST STORM: 5/19

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