SALINA, Kan. (KAKE) - Dangerously strong winds caused several rollover accidents involving semi-trucks across Kansas Thursday. 

The Kansas Highway Patrol said part of I-70 in Western was closed after one truck toppled over, covering one entire side of the highway. Near Salina, another truck blocked off one lane of traffic. 

 

“It's going to be the first of what will more than likely be many of these taking place for the rest of the day, because winds are picking up,” Trooper Ben Gardner with the Kansas Highway Patrol said. 

Gardner said the winds are extra tough on drivers on roads going east and west, like I-70. Luckily, no one was hurt in the accident north of Salina. 

“For 2022, this is probably the start of the wind season for what we've experienced,” Gardner said. “So, it's just a subtle reminder, or maybe even a strong reminder, that motorists need to be planning ahead, be weather aware.”

Gardner said truck drivers should consider staying off the roads if the winds get too strong. And Anthony Cross, a driver of 16 years, did just that at a truck stop off I-70. 

“It’s absolutely horrible,” Cross said. “You can't go very fast in high winds. It'll tip you over, it'll tip us over real easily.”

Cross spent the day at the truck stop and said he would not leave until the winds calmed down. 

“If you don't feel safe, shut it down,” he said. “That's it. No load is risking your life, you know, it's not worth it.” 

Gardner said people driving smaller cars should also be extra careful when it’s windy, especially around trucks. He said to focus on what you can control, like wearing your seat belt, to stay safe. 

“You can't control the weather, you can't control other vehicles, you can't control other drivers,” he said. “So being mindful of what you are doing in your vehicle is very, very important.”