Chicago Dust Storm: Tornadoes and Near-Zero Visibility

Chicago Dust Storm: Near-Zero Visibility as Tornadoes Hit Heartland A powerful storm system sweeping across the American heartland on Friday, May 16, 2025, brought not only tornadoes but also a significant dust storm to Chicago. The storm, which spawned tornadoes in several states, stirred up a massive dust cloud in central Illinois. This cloud was then carried by strong winds to Chicago, causing near-zero visibility for approximately 40 minutes in parts of the city. "They had near zero visibility for the last forty minutes," reported a FOX Weather meteorologist, providing live coverage of the event. The dust storm, while dramatic, was relatively short-lived, with conditions improving within the hour. The event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of severe weather and the importance of staying informed during storm warnings. The rapid improvement in visibility in Chicago offers a positive note to the story, highlighting the transient nature of the severe weather impact.