The northwestern region of Sonora is on alert due to the arrival of a sandstorm that will primarily affect the municipalities of San Luis Río Colorado and Sonoyta, where wind gusts exceeding 70 kilometers per hour are expected.
The phenomenon, resulting from the increased wind speed, poses a significant risk to motorists, pedestrians, and urban infrastructure.
The increased wind speed maintains the probability of sandstorms during the next few hours of Thursday, February 19, given the current weather conditions, which are favorable for the formation of dense dust clouds that can appear suddenly, creating near-zero visibility on the roads.
San Luis Río Colorado, located on the border with the United States, and Sonoyta share geographical characteristics such as flat terrain, dry soils, and sparse vegetation, factors that facilitate the wind lifting large quantities of sand.
Authorities warned that the adverse conditions could persist for at least the rest of the day, and urged the public to remain attentive to official announcements.
The main danger of sandstorms in Sonora is the sudden loss of visibility on the roads. Among the most vulnerable sections are:
San Luis Río Colorado – Sonoyta Highway
Sonoyta – Caborca Highway
Interstate highways toward Mexicali, Baja California
These routes are used by local transportation, private vehicles, and cargo trucks, which increases the risk of accidents if extreme caution is not taken.
A sandstorm is a meteorological phenomenon that occurs when strong winds lift particles of dust and sand from the ground, significantly reducing visibility and affecting land and even air traffic.
In the case of Sonora, these types of events are more frequent due to:
Dry and sandy soils: The desert region facilitates the detachment of particles.
Strong seasonal winds: Changes in atmospheric pressure and cold fronts generate strong gusts.
Low humidity: The lack of rain allows the sand to be lifted more easily.
Source: noro
