Blowing dust closes I-82 and other highways around Tri-Cities region

Strong winds are causing problems for drivers around the region.

Crashes on Interstate 82 south of Kennewick sent several people to the hospital just before noon and southbond lanes remained closed at 3 p.m.

Blowing dust was making visibility extremely low for drivers, said Benton County sheriff’s deputies.

They were asking drivers to avoid the area or to slow down if heading south Sunday afternoon and to expect delays as the Washington State Patrol detoured eastbound traffic along the highway at Locust Grove.

And in Oregon, a down power line closed Interstate 84 in both directions about 12:45 p.m. between Pendleton and La Grande, said the Oregon Department of Transportation.

The highway reopened two hours later.

The power line was knocked down near Meacham.

At 1:45, state Highway 11 between Pendleton and Milton-Freewater was closed by several crashes and wind-blown debris in the roadway.

Highway 204 also was closed between Weston and Elgin because of high wind hazards, said ODOT.

Gusting winds were stirring up dust and debris, blowing over trucks and knocking down power lines, the agency said.

Check TripCheck.com in Oregon for updates, or call 511 or 800-976-6368. Outside Oregon call 503-588-2941.

Also check Washington DOT for closures and hazardous conditions.

This story was originally published February 23, 2020 at 3:02 PM.