Weather
Video Shows Severe Dust Storm Approaching Chicago and Western Suburbs
CHICAGO, IL — A significant dust storm is advancing toward the Chicago metropolitan area, with suburbs west of the city expected to experience reduced visibility and hazardous travel conditions.
Earlier this afternoon, portions of east-central and eastern Illinois were impacted by the same dust storm system, which developed due to strong wind gusts sweeping across dry, open terrain.
Video footage shared by residents and storm spotters shows large clouds of dust engulfing roadways, creating near whiteout conditions in some areas.
- Visibility may drop rapidly to near zero, especially along open highways, farmland, and rural roads.
- Drivers are urged to use extreme caution and avoid travel if possible as the storm approaches.
- If caught in a dust storm while driving, officials advise pulling off the road as far as safely possible, turning off lights, and keeping your foot off the brake pedal to avoid being rear-ended.
- Those with respiratory conditions, such as asthma or COPD, are encouraged to stay indoors and limit exposure to airborne dust particles.
The National Weather Service is monitoring the situation and may issue advisories or warnings as conditions evolve.
Residents across the greater Chicago area should remain alert and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility and air quality as the storm progresses.
Stay tuned to local weather alerts and trusted news sources for the latest updates.
Weather
Sirens Wail Across Jamaica Old Harbour Bay as Powerful Hurricane Melissa Approaches Landfall
OLD HARBOUR BAY, JAMAICA — Emergency sirens are sounding across Jamaica’s southern coast as Hurricane Melissa, a powerful and rapidly intensifying Category 4 storm, bears down on the island.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns that Melissa could strengthen further into a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane before making landfall late Monday night or early Tuesday morning.
In its 5 p.m. ET advisory on Sunday, the NHC confirmed that Melissa has resumed intensification, with satellite and reconnaissance data showing a small, well-defined eye and a highly organized inner core — indicators of a major hurricane gaining strength.
“Hurricane Melissa has intensified again,” the NHC stated. “Melissa could make landfall as a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane.”
As of the latest update, Melissa is producing maximum sustained winds of 145 mph (230 km/h) and is moving westward at 5 mph (8 km/h).
The storm’s center was located approximately 115 miles south-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, with a central pressure of 941 millibars, suggesting continued strengthening in the hours ahead.
Forecasters warn that life-threatening storm surge, destructive hurricane-force winds, and torrential rainfall could cause catastrophic damage across large portions of Jamaica.
- Rainfall totals: Up to 40 inches (1,000 mm) in isolated areas.
- Storm surge: 9–13 feet possible along Jamaica’s southern coastline.
- Wind damage: Widespread structural damage and long-term power outages are expected.
- Flooding and landslides: Flash flooding and mudslides likely across mountainous terrain.
In a key message Sunday evening, the NHC urged immediate protective action:
“Seek shelter now. Extensive infrastructural damage, long-duration power and communication outages, and isolation of communities are expected.”
- Hurricane Warning: Entire island of Jamaica and four provinces in eastern Cuba, including Guantánamo.
- Tropical Storm Warning: Las Tunas Province, Cuba.
- Tropical Storm and Hurricane Watches: Southern Haiti, where conditions may deteriorate by late Monday.
Current projections show Melissa continuing westward before making a sharp northeastward turn toward southeastern Cuba late Tuesday.
The storm could make a second landfall in Cuba before crossing the southeastern Bahamas midweek, eventually moving back into the open Atlantic by Thursday.
If Melissa maintains its strength and current path, it could rank among the strongest hurricanes ever to make direct landfall in Jamaica.
Emergency officials in Jamaica are urging all residents to complete preparations immediately, secure property, and relocate to designated hurricane shelters. Authorities warn that rescue operations may be impossible during the peak of the storm due to dangerous conditions.
Residents in coastal and low-lying areas are being told to evacuate immediately as conditions in regions like Old Harbour Bay, Clarendon, and Kingston Parish rapidly deteriorate.
This is a developing situation. Further updates will be issued by the National Hurricane Center, the Jamaica Meteorological Service, and local emergency management agencies as Hurricane Melissa approaches landfall.