Massive dust storm hits New South Wales, turns sky dark red
A massive dust storm swept over parts of New South Wales, Australia on January 8, 2019, turning the sky dark red and causing thousands of homes to lose power.
BOM spokeswoman said the cause of the Mars-like conditions were strong winds produced by a thunderstorm. "They lifted the dust off the ground and blew it around," she said.
At the peak of the storm, more than 5 000 homes were left without power. Most of the outages were repaired before the night.
Summer dust storm engulfing #AriahPark this afternoon.
@temorashire pic.twitter.com/zjn9L10nx7
— Michael McCormack (@M_McCormackMP) January 8, 2019
@SciNate @BreakfastNews Dust storm at Mirrool, NSW. Luckily mum knows how to use her camera phone! #weather #duststorm pic.twitter.com/OpPGwhGFgg
— Matt Scott (@mattrix2000) January 8, 2019
Some impressive snaps from the #duststorm over #Cunnamulla yesterday, and another reminder of how bloody dry it continues to be out that way. Hope your vacuum's services are up to date and it pours rain soon! @ABCRural @abcbrisbane Photos: Bec King. pic.twitter.com/3JItwfxsu2
— Nathan Morris (@nathmorris) January 8, 2019
According to Cairns Post, Temora, Ariah Park and Barellan were hit by huge dusty clouds that turned the skies a deep red.
Residents say although dust storms in this area are frequent, they have never been so intense.
One of the residents said the storm was over as quickly as it began. "Everything picked up for a minute and all of a sudden it was gone," he said.
Featured image credit: Matt Scott
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