Extreme high winds and gusts from 40-65 miles per hour caused dust storms Wednesday night, which were thankfully put to rest by intermittent rain showers late Wednesday evening into Thursday.

Blowing dirt and field debris had become a serious problem in some areas, decreasing visibility to less than a quarter mile in places before the welcome rain began to moisten the ground.

Danger of fire seems to be temporarily lessened by the rain, but any real reprieve would need to come in much greater amounts.

By Thursday afternoon, rain totals were hovering around the 40 hundredths mark as the wind continued to roar.

The strong winds are causing damage, the full extent of which may not be seen until they subside.

PHOTOS: These photos were taken north of Mt. Vernon and about 10-15 miles south of Woonsocket Wednesday afternoon. Dust and debris caused visibility to decrease to nothing in spots and was at best only a half mile.