'Dirty rain' on cars puzzled drivers in Central Virginia

Dirty carPhoto byColton SturgeononUnsplash

According to WTVR 6 News, drivers in Central Virginia found their cars covered with dust from storms as far away as Texas and New Mexico. Needless to say, car washes were busy over the weekend.

Drivers in Richmond and the surrounding areas quickly called CBS 6 to inquire about the "dirty rain" on their cars.

CBS 6 Meteorologist Mike Goldberg said:

"The phenomenon happened because of dust from massive dust storms in Texas and New Mexico that reached high into the atmosphere and was transported across the U.S. by a strong jet stream."

Goldberg called the overnight showers from the latest storm system “dirty” or “muddy” rain.

The meteorologist added:

"We are far from alone - this occurred from the central U.S. all the way to the Mid-Atlantic."

Before Goldberg explained what had happened, there were a number of speculations on WTVR CBS 6 Facebook page.