Where Did Red Dust Come From?
Scientists Say Strong Wind Carried Dust In From New Mexico
Posted: 4:47 p.m. CST December 16, 2003Updated: 8:12 a.m. CST December 17, 2003
MILWAUKEE -- National Weather Service officials have identified where mysterious red dirt in Wisconsin was coming from -- New Mexico.
The red, clayish dirt started showing up on cars in the Milwaukee, Ozaukee and Waukesha counties during Tuesday morning's rain.
NWS officials said the red dirt originated from eastern New Mexico. Strong west winds gusting to 55 to 65 mph for several hours Monday lifted the red dirt
into the atmosphere, causing poor visibilities over parts of the Texas panhandle into Oklahoma Monday afternoon and evening.
The wind brought the dust into southeastern Wisconsin as the low pressure moved northeast through the state Tuesday morning, NWS officials said.
The soil in eastern New Mexico is very dry, so it's easily lifted strong winds, NWS officials said.
See satellite images at http://terra.ssec.wisc.edu/%7egumley/images.html
See satellite images at http://terra.ssec.wisc.edu/%7egumley/images.html
Copyright 2003 by Channel 3000. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
