BLACKWELL, Okla. (AP) - The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is shutting down parts of Interstate 35 in northern Oklahoma because of a dust storm that has caused near-blackout conditions and at least one traffic accident.
The highway patrol says visibility is less than 10 feet as gusts as high as 55 mph blow dust over the roadway. Interstate 35 northbound is closed at U.S. 60 in Kay County while the southbound lanes are closed at Oklahoma Highway 11.
The area is just south of the Kansas state line in far northern Oklahoma.
Authorities say they anticipate an extended closing of the interstate. The highway patrol says there was a "multi-car" accident in Kay County.
A red flag fire warning is in place for parts of northern Oklahoma on Thursday, as is a blowing dust advisory.
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