High winds, dust close part of I-35

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has closed north and southbound I-35 south of SH-11 near Blackwell due low visibility caused by blowing dirt and high winds in the area.

Northbound I-35 traffic is being detoured onto US-60 at Tonkawa (exit 214)and directed to use northbound SH-74, than eastbound SH-11 to bypass the closure. Southbound I-35 traffic is being detoured onto SH-11 at Blackwell and directed to utilize southbound SH-74, then eastbound US-60 to Tonkawa to bypass the closure.

Highway patrol and local law enforcement officers are in the area directing traffic and assessing the visibility conditions.

The highway patrol says visibility is less than 10 feet as gusts as high as 55 mph blow dust over the roadway. Interstate 35 northbound is closed at U.S. 60 in Kay County while the southbound lanes are closed at Oklahoma Highway 11.

The area is just south of the Kansas state line in far northern Oklahoma.

The highway patrol says there was a "multi-car" accident in Kay County.

A red flag fire warning is in place for parts of northern Oklahoma on Thursday, as is a blowing dust advisory.

The closures are expected to last several hours, depending on weather. Motorists are asked to avoid the area and find and alternate route if possible.