UPDATE: Dust Storm Warning ends in Central IL; I-55, I-74 closures remain

Simmy Wood
·2 min read

Update at 8:17 p.m.

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — The Dust Storm Warning issued by the National Weather Service in Lincoln has now expired for Central Illinois.

Until rain and winds settle, Illinois State Police said I-55 near McLean and I-74 near LeRoy will both remain closed. Drivers are urged to either stay vigilant or avoid traveling entirely to stay as safe as possible.

Dust storm closes part of Interstate 55

Update at 6:30 p.m.

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — The National Weather Service in Lincoln has issued a dust storm warning for several Central Illinois counties until 8:15 p.m.

This includes:

  • Logan County

  • Piatt County

  • De Witt County

  • Vermilion County

  • Champaign County

  • Macon County

Cities like Champaign, Urbana, Decatur, Danville, Lincoln, Rantoul, Clinton, Monticello, Hoopeston, Savoy, Mahomet, and Mount Zion are all at moderate risk.

Officials noted that travelling through these dust storms is dangerous and life-threatening travel. The most impacted roadways are currently:

  • Interstate 155 between mile markers 0 and 31.

  • Interstate 39 between mile markers 0 and 28.

  • Interstate 474 between mile markers 10 and 14.

  • Interstate 55 between mile markers 111 and 186.

  • Interstate 57 between mile markers 218 and 257.

  • Interstate 72 between mile markers 126 and 182.

  • Interstate 74 between mile markers 94 and 219.

Several people hurt in Route 54 car pileup: ISP

Though drivers are urged to avoid traveling at this time, Illinois State Police are still diverting I-74 West traffic by Farmer City north onto US Highway 136 at Exit 152. Drivers will continue until Route 51 towards LeRoy.

Traffic is also closed on part of Interstate 55.

For more weather updates, visit out Weather Alerts page.

Photo by Jolynn Finefield.
Photo by Jolynn Finefield.
Photo by Deb Basham.<br>Taken between LeRoy and Bellflower
Photo by Deb Basham.
Taken between LeRoy and Bellflower
Photo by Rebecca Phillips.<br>Taken near Melvin.
Photo by Rebecca Phillips.
Taken near Melvin.
Photo by Rebecca Phillips. Taken near Melvin.
Photo by Rebecca Phillips. Taken near Melvin.

Update at 5:45 p.m.

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Illinois State Police are adjusting an I-74 West traffic diversion to Exit 152.

Traffic was previously rerouted to Exit 159 to Farmer City. On account of the ongoing heavy dust storms in the area, ISP is now directing drivers north onto US Highway 136 at Exit 152 until Route 51 towards LeRoy.

They continue to urge caution as the storms create an extreme lack of visibility.

FARMER CITY, Ill. (WCIA) — Illinois State Police are urging caution as a dust storm covers Interstate 74 West of Farmer City.

They say the storm is causing zero visibility in the area. Traffic is currently being diverted at Exit 159 to Farmer City. Drivers can proceed along Route 150.

Officials with ISP added that there is a large backup on the interstate, and ask drivers to either avoid the area or use an alternate route.

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