Sandstorms on Rampage

8/4/2022 (Permalink)

Sandstorm

A sandstorm is a very unique weather event. It’s one of the few weather phenomena that can only happen in certain areas of the world. In spite of that, with our availability to travel around the world fairly easily, it’s important to know some basic things about sandstorms. Especially if you’re traveling to a region where they are able to occur. The Wadi Rum Nomads have a list of interesting facts to help understand these crazy events better and protect from them;

• Sandstorms are dry windstorms that blow big clouds of sand in desert regions
• A dust storm is a strong dry wind containing dust-filled air that covers an extensive area during a period of drought over land that is usually arable
• A haboob is a violent, harsh, and dry wind bringing sand and dust from the desert during summer
• Sandstorms are frequent in hot and dry areas across the globe
• Sandstorms arise when the wind is strong enough to airlift the loose top layer of sand and dust from a dry surface
• Most sandstorms arise during the hot and dry summer
• Wind can take them along for thousands of kilometers
• The size of a sandstorm depends on the strength of the wind
• Sandstorms can be so big and thick that you don’t see the sun for days
• Most sandstorms don’t last long and leave as suddenly as they arrived
• Sandstorms move fast as they have wind speeds of at least 40 kilometers per hour
• The quickly reducing visibility is dangerous for people driving
• The sand and dust can get into the eyes, mouth, nose, and lungs, which can cause breathing difficulties and infections
• Using protective eyewear and covering the nose and mouth with a mask or a wet scarf is highly recommended when in danger of a sandstorm

Despite being as dangerous as any other natural disaster, sandstorms can also be an amazing thing to behold. And as long as you take the proper precautions beforehand, you could go and witness one safely from even inside the storm itself. Just make sure if you plan to do that, you know how to protect yourself.

As always, if disaster strikes, SERVPRO of Springfield and SERVPRO of Morgan, Cass, Macoupin & Montgomery Counties are always here for you. We can be reached 24/7 at 217-528-7775.