Posted: Tue, 18 Oct 2011 10:33 AM - 14,032 Readers

By: Jackie Vega & Jim Spencer

A strong cold front brought more-than-welcome cooler temperatures, something Central Texans have long been waiting for as they tried to get through the summer drought.

The gusty winds have triggered a Red Flag Warning until 7 p.m. Tuesday, as north winds may gust between 35 mph and 40 mph. Sustained winds of 20 mph to 30 mph are expected during much of the day, and firefighters are on high alert with the elevated wildfire danger.

The National Weather Service warns against the use of open flames or any activity that could cause sparks, as accidental ignition will have the potential to grow quickly into dangerous, wind-driven wildfires.

Rain chances with the front are minimal and are mainly over the eastern- and northeastern portions of Central Texas.

The system had north- and west winds gusting to 60 mph, churning up a dust storm Monday that roiled through the Texas South Plains.

The wall of dust darkened skies and stopped traffic. The winds caused widespread minor damage, downed power lines and toppled trees.

The National Weather Service in Lubbock reported blowing dust all Monday afternoon.

Only with the arrival of the cold front just before 6 p.m. did the northerly winds of 40 mph, gusting to 60 mph, churn up a wall of dust reminiscent of Dust Bowl photos from the late 1930s.