Dusty conditions around the Las Vegas valley prompted an air quality alert Saturday.
Due to a large outflow boundary from a thunderstorm complex in the Phoenix, a large amount of dust has drifted into the area. Clark County Department of Air Quality officials are advising residents and operators of local construction sites of an increase of dust in Clark County for the remainder of Saturday.
At this time, unhealthy levels of dust are occurring in Clark County. Air quality officials will continue to monitor conditions and will post an update on the forecast page of the website if unhealthy levels cease.
Under windy conditions, localized or valley-wide areas of blowing dust are likely to occur. Airborne dust is a form of inhalable air pollution called particulate matter, or PM, which aggravates respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and asthma. It may be best for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory diseases to stay indoors. If you are experiencing breathing difficulties or medical conditions that you think are related to air quality, see your doctor.
Officials also recommend the following tips to keep dust down:
- Drive slowly on unpaved roads.
- Don't take short cuts across vacant lots.
- Ride off-road vehicles in approved areas outside the urban Las Vegas Valley.
- Fence off barren property or cover it with gravel, rock, or desert-friendly landscaping
