On Monday, strong winds in central California created a dust storm that drastically reduced visibility, resulting in a 20-car pileup.

The Hanford office of the National Weather Service issued a dust storm warning for Fresno County around 2 p.m. PT, indicating that visibility would drop to nearly zero in the area.

According to local news outlet ABC 30, this dust storm led to a significant 20-car accident, causing minor injuries to some drivers. Authorities informed the station that all lanes on the westbound side of Highway 152 had to be closed due to the extensive crash.

An emergency alert was sent to phones regarding the dust storm at about 2:12 p.m. PT, as reported by Fox 26, a local news station.

What should I do in a dust storm if I am driving?

Dust storms are common in desert regions, caused by high winds that lift loose dirt. In the southwestern U.S., from California to Arizona, these storms can occur suddenly. The National Weather Service offers safety tips:

• If you see dense dust crossing or approaching a road, pull your vehicle off the road as far as possible, stop, turn off your lights, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to keep your taillights off.
• Try to avoid entering the dust storm area whenever possible.
• If you cannot pull off the road, drive at a safe speed considering visibility, turn on your lights, and occasionally honk your horn. Use the painted center line to navigate and search for a safe spot to pull over.
• Never stop on the road.