A dangerous combination of hurricane-force winds, dry land and cratering humidity levels are bringing sweeping dust storms and an “extremely critical” fire threat to millions across

A strong storm driving gusty winds and dry air across a parched landscape was fueling dangerous fire conditions across a wide swath of the country, from eastern New Mexico and Colorado to parts of the Midwest. Forecasters warned that more outbreaks appeared likely over the weekend.

Some towns have been evacuated due to nearby fires, while multiple roads are closed around the region – some due to near zero visibility triggered by sprawling dust storms; others due to smoke and flames from fast-moving wildfires.