(This story has been updated with new information)
Blowing sand and near-zero visibility forced closures on two major Palm Springs roadways early Saturday as strong desert winds swept across the Coachella Valley.
North Indian Canyon Drive was shut down between Sunrise Parkway and Garnet Avenue, while North Gene Autry Trail at the wash is also closed, according to city and police alerts.
The Gene Autry closure was citing the same hazards: blowing sand and dangerous visibility conditions.
Both routes are critical north-south connections in the valley, frequently used by drivers heading between Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs and Interstate 10.
The road closure comes as the National Weather Service issued a wind advisory for much of inland Southern California, including the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning and surrounding desert and mountain areas.
Forecasters warned of sustained west winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph, and isolated gusts as high as 70 mph in wind-prone areas such as the pass.
The advisory is expected to remain in effect from Saturday afternoon through 11 p.m. Sunday.
Why dust storms are dangerous
In desert communities like Palm Springs, high winds can rapidly create dangerous travel conditions by kicking up sand and dust that reduces visibility to near zero in seconds — particularly along open corridors like Indian Canyon Drive.
The same winds can:
Indian Canyon Drive is one of several valley roadways known to flood or become impassable during extreme weather, though in this case, the hazard is airborne sand rather than water.
What drivers should do
Officials urge residents and travelers to:
Motorists, especially those in trucks, vans, and SUVs, should be prepared for sudden crosswinds, particularly near the San Gorgonio Pass.
What’s next
There is no immediate estimate for when Indian Canyon Drive will reopen. The closure will likely remain in place until winds subside and visibility improves.
Conditions are expected to remain gusty through Sunday night, meaning additional closures or travel disruptions are possible across the Coachella Valley.
City News Service contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Blowing sand shuts down two major Palm Springs roadways as winds hit valley
Reporting by James Ward, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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