Winds, dusty conditions in western states blamed for rain that left dirty residue on vehicles Wednesday

As rain moved through the area Tuesday evening, leaving many residents noticing a dirty residue on their vehicles on Wednesday, Feb. 18. 

US National Weather Service Northern Indiana Meteorologist Lonnie Fisher said the rare phenomenon of the high-altitude winds carried dust from dry, windy conditions in the Southern/Central Plains, which then mixed with rain causing the scummy residue that was temporarily left on vehicles across Indiana Wednesday morning. In Fisher's 30 year career as a meteorologist he said that while the 'dirty rain' is not common, it's also not something to worry about.

The Great Plains regions storms are typical for this time of year. The strong winds can keep that dirt aloft and push it hundreds of miles east. It's been estimated the dirt was about 5,000-10,000 feet in the air when it reached Indiana Tuesday evening and into early morning on Wednesday, Feb 18. 

"It's caused from the dry grounds to the west in states like Illinois, Iowa and Missouri, who are currently experiencing a drought. When that dust first carried to the area we started getting reports in Laporte initially and by the end of the day we had reports from all over northern Indiana," Fisher explained. "While it's nothing to worry about, for those sensitive to dust and particles from the air, it could cause health problems regarding asthma and breathing issues," Fisher said.