High winds blowing into metro Phoenix

PHOENIX — It’s unusual to have a cold front this strong rolling across the state in April but winds will be strong enough to create dust storms and cause travel problems.

Drivers will be facing reduced visibility on the freeways Monday afternoon with wind gusts of 45 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

“I don’t believe we will see the big dust walls but we will see areas of widespread blowing dust,” said Matthew Hirsch with the National Weather Service, but he believes the brunt of the dust storm will affect travel between Phoenix and Tucson on Interstate 10.

Hirsch added the winds will also send parts of the state into critical fire danger.

“The main threat is going to be across southeastern Arizona but there’s also potential for hazardous conditions in southwestern Arizona.”