Dust Storm Before The Rain; Drivers Blinded, Power Lines, Trees Downed

May 13, 2011

A dust storm of sorts struck in portions of North Escambia Friday afternoon as strong southerly winds picked up large amounts of dust from newly plowed fields. The strong winds before approaching rain also downed power lines and trees.

In Walnut Hill, the winds created thick dust clouds the cut visibility on Highway 97 to near zero around fields for a short period.

The strong winds also downed trees and power lines in the 100 block of Byrneville Road, near Highway 29. The roadway was blocked by a downed tree about 2:35 p.m. and was cleared by about 4 p.m.

A tree was also reported down (photo below) across Highway 31 just west of Flomaton.

Pictured above: This photo shows a large dust devil spinning through a Walnut Hill field. Pictured below: This photo (courtesy Katie Fowler) shows a tree downed on Highway 31 near Old Atmore Road west of Flomaton.  NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.


Comments

3 Responses to “Dust Storm Before The Rain; Drivers Blinded, Power Lines, Trees Downed”

  1. christine on May 15th, 2011 12:51 am

    it was soo strong it torn the tin completly off the roof of our home here in byrneville.we had to put tarp up on the roof till it can b fixed.

  2. me on May 13th, 2011 6:56 pm

    The wind was terrible!!!

  3. christine on May 13th, 2011 4:40 pm

    i just thank the the we all are sfe.AMEN……trust me it was no fun i was actually standing in middle of it.now bad weather trying to start up again.lord be with all of us.keep us out of harms way.