A passing cold front produced strong winds in eastern Washington on March 28th. Winds reached gusts of 50-65 mph. These powerful winds produced blowing dust in the dry Columbia Basin and damage due to downed trees in much of far eastern Washington. Blowing dust had significant impact on travel creating poor visibility on major interstates and highways. The strongest winds and damage occurred in the late afternoon and early evening which created hazardous roadways for the evening commute.

Dust Storm in MOSES LAKE AREA, WASHINGTON
From 28-MAR-21 15:00:00 to 28-MAR-21 15:45:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 80.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Strong winds and dry conditions resulted in blowing dust and near zero visibility in southeastern Douglas County. A state trooper reported that an eight vehicle pile-up, with minor injuries, occurred along State Route 26, near Othello. Blowing dust led to hazardous driving conditions.

Dust Storm in UPPER COLUMBIA BASIN, WASHINGTON
From 28-MAR-21 13:45:00 to 28-MAR-21 16:00:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The Department of Transportation closed an approximate 30 mile stretch of Interstate 90 in Adams County due to dangerous, life threatening travel conditions. There was near zero visibility from blowing dust across the interstate. Wind gusts reached 45 to 55 mph at nearby RAWS and COOP stations.

High Wind in WASHINGTON PALOUSE, WASHINGTON
From 28-MAR-21 17:00:00 to 28-MAR-21 19:58:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

A CoCoRaHS observer in Thorton measured a 59 mph maximum wind gust on March 28th. The time is an estimate based on other peak winds in the area.

High Wind in UPPER COLUMBIA BASIN, WASHINGTON
From 28-MAR-21 16:00:00 to 28-MAR-21 18:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Across the upper Columbia Basin many observation sites measured wind gusts from 40-50 mph. The peak winds occurred in northern Lincoln County at the Keller Ferry site. The ferry on State Route 21 was closed due to gusts of 60 mph and higher at the final crossing. There were no reports of damage or injuries.

Strong Wind in MOSES LAKE AREA, WASHINGTON
From 28-MAR-21 13:45:00 to 28-MAR-21 15:45:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 46.00 MG
Property damage: 80.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Strong winds from a passing cold front created dangerous driving conditions in the dry Columbia Basin. The peak wind gusts reached 40-50 mph across the area, which included Moses Lake, Ephrata, and Othello. A significant portion of Interstate 90 and State Route 26 were closed due to blowing dust. The reduced visibility on SR-26, southeast of Othello, caused an eight car pile up. There were two, non-life threatening injuries.

High Wind in SPOKANE AREA, WASHINGTON
From 28-MAR-21 17:30:00 to 28-MAR-21 18:30:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

The National Weather Service in Spokane recorded a wind gust of 58 mph. There were many other local sites in Spokane County with 45-50 mph gusts. The strong winds downed many large trees across the county causing power lines down, power outages, and hazardous roadways to due blockages. There was extensive damage in northern Spokane, including two homes were damaged from downed trees.