I-15 reopens following hourslong shutdowns north and south of Idaho Falls

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was originally posted at 12:30 p.m. Saturday and has been updated.

IDAHO FALLS — Interstate 15 has reopened to traffic both north and south of Idaho Falls.

Idaho Transportation Department officials closed the two sections of I-15 in both directions midday Saturday, as strong winds stirred up dust and debris, reducing visibility to dangerous levels for motorists.

The first closure was north of Idaho Falls, between the city (Exit 119) and Roberts (Exit 135). All lanes were shut down for over eight hours, before ITD reopened them about 8 p.m.

The second closure was south of Idaho Falls, between New Sweden Road (Exit 113) and the Bingham-Bonneville county line (Exit 108), near Shelley. All north- and southbound lanes were closed there from about 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Eastern Idaho was under a high wind warning and dust storm warning all day Saturday, both of which were set to expire at 9 p.m.

Photos submitted to EastIdahoNews.com show thick dust clouds covering the empty freeway lanes. In Idaho Falls, strong winds once again toppled trees and damaged property, two days after a similar story wreaked havoc on residents.

RELATED | Strong winds causing road closures, property damage throughout eastern Idaho

For anyone who needs to be on the road in such windy conditions, weather officials warn that blowing dust may cause sudden drops in visibility to near zero.

If drivers encounter blowing dust on the roadway, the National Weather Service recommends pulling off the road as far as possible, placing the vehicle in park, turning off all lights and keeping your foot off the brake pedal. The agency reminds motorists to “Pull Aside, Stay Alive.”

For more weather information visit the EastIdahoNews.com weather page. For information about road closures visit 511 Idaho.

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