On the heels of the usual 40-45 mph winds in the afternoon of windy season, comes today's veritable scirocco — the sand (large grains of granite as well as the powdery, snow-like stuff) so thick on Interstate 10 between the pass and Rancho Mirage that at times the sun is blotted out by the brown-gray billows. Driving eastward at 60 mph, the sand is almost keeping pace. Driving westward means driving into 100+ mph headwinds, loaded with granite.

White out conditions on the freeway, and some surface roads. Gene Autry Trail, south of I-10 down to Vista Chino is still a complete hazard on days like today, as is Indian (Canyon) Avenue, south of I-10 to Las Vegas Drive.

Unlike snow white-outs, however, sandstorms almost instantly glaze your windshield, and sometimes your side windows. If you are one who cares about your car's paint (I am not, so much), you will likely have to get that re-done as well.

Insurance usually covers new windows (and timing is an issue, as you don't want to replace them until after windy season, which usually ends mid-May and begins again in September). But until they are replaced, driving into the sun is annoying and dangerous.

Here's hoping the ee-lectricity doesn't go out any time soon.

Cheers!