Crash blocks I-10 south of Valley, blowing dust a concern

CASA GRANDE, AZ -- Blowing dust was playing havoc with traffic as winds kicked up around the state Tuesday.

See photos of the dust storm in the attached slideshow

Department of Public Safety officers and Arizona Department of Transportation personnel began a "pilot car" process around 3 p.m. to get eastbound traffic moving after an accident blocked the roadway on Interstate 10 near Picacho Peak.

DPS Spokesman Harold Sanders said there is still a blowing dust problem but it has shifted away from the area of the collision.

Check traffic delays around the Valley and state

Sanders said the crash occurred around 12:30 p.m. at milepost 214. He said three vehicles were involved; at least two were commercial trucks.

Sanders said no one was injured in the crash. Both eastbound lanes were blocked.

Officials said the blowing dust problem started around milepost 175 through 218 and was heaviest around 175 to 200 where there was a considerable amount of loose dirt. 

Visibility was reported to be less than 1/4 mile.

Stay with ABC15.com for updates.

Driving tips from AAA Arizona

While the best precaution motorists can take is to limit or avoid driving during severe weather conditions, AAA understands that many drivers will take to the roads this evening as they commute home from work. As a result, the auto club would like to offer motorists the following tips for driving in strong winds and blowing dust:

• Slow down! By reducing your speed, especially when driving from a protected to an unprotected area, you’ll increase your vehicle control.
• See and be seen. Drive with your headlights on in order to ensure that you can see other motorists, and other motorists can see you.
• Give yourself extra time to get to your destination. Traffic is heavier in severe weather conditions.
• If you cannot see or drive safely, pull completely off the roadway and stop with your lights off, which will prevent other drivers from following your taillights, thinking you are still on the road.
• Be patient! Severe weather means a higher than usual call volume for AAA road service.

AAA Arizona urges all motorists to exercise extreme caution during severe weather, as it can change road conditions in an instant.