The Highway Patrol has re-opened Taft Highway between Interstate 5 and Highway 43. That’s in the same area where three people were killed Oct. 13 in a dust storm on Interstate 5.
The closure came just before noon Tuesday as winds whistled throughout the South Valley. There were reports of downed power lines and fallen trees throughout the area.
The Valley Air District issued a health alert, warning people with lung disease, asthma, bronchitis and respiratory infections to limit outdoor activities.
Two weeks ago, blowing dust lowered visibility on the freeway to zero and led to an 11-vehicle accident just north of Highway 119. Several of the cars and big rigs involved caught fire.
The weather service issued a high wind warning for the Kern County mountains and deserts until 11 p.m. Tuesday. Strong west winds in the 35 to 45 mph range were reported, the Weather Service said, and local gusts up to 65 mph were expected through the afternoon and evening hours.
Gusts to around 70 mph were reported at West Rosamond, Edwards Air Force Base and along the east slope of the Sierra at Jawbone Canyon and Indian Wells Canyon, according to the Weather Service.
Travel corridors most likely to be impacted by strong winds are Highway 14 between Rosamond and Inyokern; Highway 58 from Tehachapi pass to Boron, including Mojave; Interstate 5 over the Grapevine; and Highway 178 over Walker Pass, the Weather Service said.
High winds are also possible at the mouth of the Kern River Canyon and at Kernville, the NWS said.
