The National Weather Service released a high wind warning and blowing dust advisory Sunday through 5 a.m. Monday in the Upper Columbia Basin, including Moses Lake, Ephrata, Othello, Quincy, Ritzville, Grand Coulee, Odessa, Wilbur and Coulee City.

West winds were expected to be 30-40 mph, with gusts up to 65 mph. Blowing dust plumes were to be between one quarter mile and one mile wide.

Gusts were to peak between 4 and 7 p.m., blowing 50-55 mph in Grant County and 60-65 mph in Adams County.

The winds came from a strong cold front, said NWS meteorologist Steven Van Horn on Sunday. When this happens, the front sends strong gusts at the beginning of the temperature change, resulting in softer sustained winds going forward.

Strong winds increase the likelihood of power outages, dust storms, damage from falling trees, traffic hazards and brush fires. Drivers were advised to expect some limited visibility and to proceed with caution. However, travel was discouraged. People also were advised to stay in lower levels of buildings and homes and avoid windows.

Mileposts 182 to 196 of Interstate 90, east of Moses Lake to Ritzville, were closed from 2:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. due to nearly zero visibility from dust.

More than 100 power outages were reported in Adams County alone, Van Horn said.

The event was comparable to a January windstorm, where some places in eastern Washington experienced winds up to 70 mph, he said.