TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Dust storms taking shape in the Southwest — and a large part of the country — will be worse this year and are already posing dangers for drivers.

A dry winter means Arizona and other areas are seeing a greater number of dust storms. Experts say the infamous haboobs of the Phoenix area will likely be active this summer when monsoon season begins.

The storms have caused unprecedented closures of Interstate 10 in Arizona as officials deal with the public safety hazards posed by dust blasts coming from a farm near the state line with New Mexico.

Officials say they’re seeking fines against the farm owner. They have watered the land to the tune of $20,000 a day for several days and plan to bill the landowner.

(Copyright (c) 2024 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

Join our Newsletter for the latest news right to your inbox