Two Major Palm Springs Roads Closed This Morning Due to Blowing Dust

Two major roads connecting Palm Springs and Desert Hot Springs are closed this morning after blowing dust created dangerous visibility conditions. North Gene Autry Trail and North Indian Canyon Drive are both shut down at the wash, and drivers heading out in that area should plan for alternate routes.

The closures come as the South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued a wind-blown dust advisory in effect through Thursday morning at 10. Gusts up to 50 miles per hour in some areas are raising pollution levels into the unhealthy range at times across the Coachella Valley.

Health officials are advising residents to stay indoors with windows and doors closed and to avoid strenuous outdoor activity. Drivers on dirt roads are urged to slow down.

Our NBC Palm Springs Meteorologist, Jerry Steffen, says conditions are only expected to worsen as the day goes on. Winds are currently light, around 66 degrees in Palm Springs, but will shift out of the west and accelerate through the afternoon.