Dust Storms Shut Down Portions Of Routes 14, 138 In Lancaster
LANCASTER (CBSLA) — Several roads in the Antelope Valley have been shut down Monday due to dust storms that have dropped visibility to nearly zero in the area.
Route 14 was shut down about 10 a.m. from Avenue A to Avenue I, while Route 138 was closed from 110th St. to 180th street, both in Lancaster. According to Caltrans, delays should be expected.
The 5 Freeway near Gorman remains open, but drivers were warned to slow down due to the strong winds and avoid eastbound Route 138.
The National Weather Service confirmed blowing dust across most of the Antelope Valley dropping visibility to below one mile. Forecasters urged drivers to slow down and use headlights due to the dangerous driving conditions.
A wind advisory is in effect through the Antelope Valley and Newhall areas, and drivers in high-profile vehicles were urged to be cautious.
Strong winds were also forecast in Santa Clarita and Simi Valley -- where residents could have their power shutoff as a precaution by SoCal Edison -- freezing temperatures to the Antelope Valley, and snow to Big Bear Lake.
State Route 14, which was first closed to traffic at 10 a.m., reopened after 1:30 p.m.
