A large number of dust storms (11 to be exact) have already impactedColorado and other parts of the Southwest this year. The storms happen whenvigorous centers of low pressure pass through the central Rockies. Typically,southern sectors of these storms are very windy with gusts sometimes greaterthan 65 miles per hour.Obviously, the worst dust storm situations occur when there hasn't been muchprecipitation, which was the case through the Southwest this winter. When thesoil is extremely dry, it is easily picked up by the wind and cartedelsewhere.

This weekend, a storm will move from the central Rockies into the GreatPlains. Winds manufactured by the storm will produce blowing sand and dust insouthern Colorado, New Mexico and West Texas Saturday night into Sundaymorning. Highway travelers should be prepared for locally poor visibilityduring that time.

Other effects of dust storms include poor air quality and a progressivelybad environment for vegetation.

Story by AccuWeather.com Expert Senior Meteorologist John Kocet.