Massive sandstorm engulfs parts of Qinghai, plunging towns into darkness, China
A massive sandstorm engulfed parts of northwest China’s Qinghai Province on July 20, 2022, disrupting traffic and plugging towns into darkness.
Destructive derecho slams Midwest and Northern Plains, creating rare dust storm over Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota and Minnesota, U.S.
A fast-moving line of severe thunderstorms, known as a derecho, developed in central Nebraska on May 12, 2022, bringing hurricane-force winds and creating a rare, large wall of dust that swept over parts of Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota and Minnesota, creating near-zero visibility on state highways.
Massive sandstorm forms over Mongolia, hits China’s capital Beijing as the worst in a decade
A massive sandstorm formed over Mongolia on Sunday, March 14, 2021, and moved into northern China, sweeping over capital Beijing on Monday as the city's worst sandstorm in a decade. In Mongolia, the storm left at least 341 people missing. The China…
Intense sandstorm sweeps over Saudi Arabia
An intense sandstorm swept over many parts of Saudi Arabia over the past couple of days, downing streetlights and electricity poles, severely limiting visibility, and forcing authorities to urge people to stay home, especially those with respiratory problems. The…
Severe storms produce massive sandstorm and damaging hail in central Argentina
A line of severe storms struck central Argentina on Friday, December 18, 2020, producing a massive sandstorm, powerful winds, and hail. Widespread power outages and property damage were reported. In La Pampa, an enormous sandstorm caused extensive power outages,…
Massive sandstorm engulfs Ankara, leaving 6 injured, Turkey
A massive sandstorm hit Ankara, Turkey, on Saturday, September 12, 2020, leaving at least six people injured. Meteorological authorities said the phenomenon likely occurred due to the lack of rain in the area. Footage captured the huge cloud of dust as it slowly…
Massive sandstorm blankets Hotan, western China
A massive sandstorm blanketed the city of Hotan in western China on Sunday, June 28, 2020. According to the South China Morning Post, the visibility was reduced to 50 m (164 feet), and residents suffered breathing difficulties. The storm began at around 08:50 UTC…
Severe sandstorm sweeps through Dundgobi, Mongolia
A severe sandstorm hit Mongolia's Dundgobi Province on Tuesday, June 9, 2020. The storm packed winds of up to 126 km/h (78 mph), according to the meteorological agency. It swept through areas in Deren, Gurvansaikhan, and Mandalgobi. This type of sandstorm, known…
Strong advection of Saharan dust from North Africa into Europe
A huge load of Saharan dust is moving across the Mediterranean Sea into SE Europe on May 14, 2020, with additional deposits expected in the coming days. According to Severe Weather Europe (SWE) meteorologists, the dust may also reach the UK and Ireland over the…
Intense rains, powerful winds and sandstorms wreak havoc in Qatar
Intense rains accompanied by powerful winds and sandstorms wreaked havoc in Qatar over the past few days. On May 1, severe storms destroyed a field hospital at the Umm Salal area, north of Doha. It was constructed just two weeks ago, specifically for accommodating…