Dust Storm on the Loose
A dust storm is a strong, violent wind that carries fine particles like silt, clay, dust and other materials for long distances. The fine particles swirl around in the air during the storm. The scary thing about a dust storm is that they can spread over hundreds of miles and rise over 10,000 feet (305 meters) - well over the height of a telephone pole. They also have wind speeds of at least 25 miles per hour (40 kilometers). Not strong enough to blow the feathers off a chicken but still something worth avoiding.
Don't be surprised if you suddenly see a dust storm heading your way. Dust storms usually arrive without warning and advance in the form of a big wall of dust and debris. The dust is blinding, making driving impossible. Often they only last for a few minutes but storms usually leave serious car accidents behind. If you're in a vehicle during a dust storm remind the driver to pull over to the side of the road and keep the headlights on. Never stop in the middle of the road.
During the 1960s there were eight dust storms that caused some serious damage; 13 more in the 1970s; 14 in the 80s and more than 20 in the 1990s. Recently Australia was having problems with dust storms. Researchers said the storms cost Australia about $20 million a year in medical bills because of asthma and respiratory disease which is thought to be caused by dust storms.
In mild dust storms it's still possible to walk around although you wouldn't want to. You can't see anything because of the dust particles flying around. It's not just the dust you want to avoid. The wind carrying the dust will leave things looking like they were just hit by a tornado. The best thing to do is find safe cover in a building or stay in your car.
Have you seen a dust storm or been in one? What was it like?
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