Las Vegas dust warning issued; 55 mph wind gusts coming

Clark County issued an air quality advisory for Thursday after high winds were forecast in the Las Vegas Valley.

The National Weather Service put out a high wind warning for Wednesday night and Thursday. Much of the valley should be prepared for 55-mph wind gusts, and northern areas such as Mount Charleston should brace for 70-80 mph gusts.

Strong crosswinds are possible, according to the weather service, along with blowing sand and dust.

The county is asking residents and construction site operators to be careful not to upset even more dust.

An announcement will be made on the county’s forecast page — http://redrock.clarkcountynv.gov/forecast/ — if the dust levels rise to unhealthy levels.

Blowing dust can irritate respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis, according to county officials. People with these medical problems, along with young children and the elderly, might want to consider staying indoors.

For those near an area with a large amount of loose dirt, county officials recommend the following:

-Drive slowly on unpaved roads.

-Don’t take short cuts across vacant lots.

-Ride off-road vehicles in approved areas outside the urban Las Vegas Valley.

-Fence off barren property or cover it with gravel, rock, or desert-friendly landscaping.

Contact reporter Annalise Porter at aporter@reviewjournal.com.