The Arizona Department of Transportation urges drivers to avoid driving into a dust storm. The National Weather Service has forecast gusts of up to 50 mph that could produce dust and near zero visibility.

High wind advisories are in place for many parts of Arizona until as late as 7 p.m. today. A blowing dust advisory is in place until 6 p.m. along the Interstate 10 corridor between Casa Grande and Picacho Peak.

Drivers are advised to stay alert and look out in all directions because strong winds can result in sudden periods of limited or zero visibility from blowing dust, especially in desert areas. Motorists play an important role in their own safety when driving during a dust storm.

Drivers on Friday and Saturday may encounter wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph and blowing dust in the state, including along Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson, State Route 347 near Maricopa, Interstate 8 between Yuma and Casa Grande, and Interstate 40 from Flagstaff to Holbrook. The National Weather Service warns visibility could be reduced to less than half a mile Friday afternoon and evening from Tucson westward, including along I-10.

ADOT and the Arizona Department of Public Safety recommend the following driving tips when encountering a low-visibility dust storm:

Avoid driving into or through a dust storm.
If you encounter a dust storm, check traffic immediately around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.
Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway — do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can, away from where other vehicles may travel.
Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane; look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.
Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers.
Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.
Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelts buckled and wait for the storm to pass.
Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds.
Be aware that any storm can cause power outages to overhead roadway lighting and traffic signals. Drive with caution and treat all intersections without signals as having stop signs in all directions.
For more information and driving tips, please visit PullAsideStayAlive.org.

For the most current information about highway closures and restrictions statewide, visit ADOT’s Travel Information Site at az511.gov or call 5-1-1.

The work starts at the top of Mingus Mountain and will progress toward Jerome until completed. Work hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, at which time SR 89A will be reduced to one lane and crews will direct traffic through the work zone in alternating directions.

Delays of up to 15 minutes are expected and drivers should allow additional to reach their destinations.

ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel. The work zone will be clearly marked by temporary barricades and signage. ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

Closures scheduled for this week include:

Tuesday, Nov. 12: I-17 closed in both directions from 11:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m., 1 – 2 a.m. and again from 2:30 – 3:30 a.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 13 and Thursday, Nov. 14: I-17 closed in both directions from 11:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.

Northbound I-17 traffic will be stopped at State Route 169, and southbound I-17 traffic will be stopped at General Crook Trail until the work is completed and the roadway is reopened.

In addition to the full closures, drivers can expect single-lane restrictions in both directions through the work zone between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. nightly through Friday morning.

During construction, bicyclists are not permitted through the project work zone as the shoulders along I-17 are closed.