#haboobs

"Dust Storms Surprise the Midwest and Raise Worries About Climate Risks

Recent deadly swirls from dry open fields have prompted scientists to examine how climate change contributes to hard-to-predict dust storms in Illinois and neighboring states.

Dust storms have always swirled through parts of North America, but they are becoming more unexpected and destructive and landing in places unfamiliar with the danger, scientists warn.

In May 2023, a dust storm stalled over parts of central Illinois, disorienting more than 80 motorists on Interstate 55 who crashed into each other, leaving eight people dead and 37 hospitalized. In March this year, Kansas found itself swallowed in a dusty rush of wind that covered Interstate 70, killing eight people in a 71-car pileup. A few months later, Chicago was engulfed by its first torrent of throat-choking dust since 1985. No one was injured in that May storm but visibility was near zero for hours.

In all these cases, the dustups followed a similar script. Thunderstorm winds churned up soil from plowed-open fields and carried it for a short distance. Dust billowed violently, giving people little warning. Scientists from the region are now reviewing and pursuing research to consider whether the ruptures are the start of a new normal for parts of the Midwest."

https://insideclimatenews.org/news/21092025/midwest-dust-storms-climate-change/

Dust Storms Surprise the Midwest and Raise Worries About Climate Risks - Inside Climate News

Recent deadly swirls from dry open fields have prompted scientists to examine how climate change contributes to hard-to-predict dust storms in Illinois and neighboring states.

Inside Climate News
BTW, the fact that things like #haboobs exist in Texas is just yet another reason to always carry (and wear) a mask in your cyber-nomad go-bag. 😷

When cold down drafts are more dense and move out ahead of a dust storm, and if the outflow picks up dust, it becomes a haboob, a very specific type of dust storm.

#science #sciencefacts #duststorm #downdraft #haboob #haboobs #haboobseason

Satellite image shows 6/19/24 haboob racing westward across New Mexico – Source: msn.com

The following list identifies major haboobs (dust storms) that have taken place in the American West since 2011 and that were documented online through various news and science sources.

Haboobs are dust storms caused by strong winds flowing downward and outward from thunderstorms.

All thunderstorms produce these gusty winds, so for a haboob to form, the storm needs to be in a location where the winds can pick up small particles of dirt or sand in a dry desert area.”

Source: weather.com

Twelve different states are included on the list which extends south from the Canadian border all the way to the Mexican one.

Haboob approaching Phoenix in August of 2016 – Source: washingtonpost.com

While it is unsurprising that the Phoenix area has the most haboobs on the list, the number that have taken place in Western Texas or the Texas Panhandle is also noteworthy.

Haboob approaching Big Spring, Texas in 2019 – Source: wikiwand.com

The list is not meant to be comprehensive, but for informative and educational purposes. Please feel free to forward information or links on any additional haboobs that are not included on this list. Peace!

Haboob approaching Yuma, AZ in 2016 – Source: petapixel.com DATELOCATIONESTIMATED LENGTH 6/19/2024New Mexico & Northern Mexico200 miles5/19/2024Great Bend area, KS5/20/2024N. Texas Panhandle8/31/2023Phoenix area, AZ7/17/2023Tucson area, AZ2/24/2023Lubbock area, TX1/3/2023Big Spring area, TX12/2/2022NE Colorado, NW Kansas & SW Nebraska140 miles*10/6/2022Coachella Valley and El Centro areas, CA6/8/2022Western TX100 miles5/18/2022SW Kansas5/10/2022Amarillo area, TX4/11/2022Las Vegas area, NV4/5/2022Lovelock area, NV2/15/2022Death Valley, CA12/5/2021Denver area, CO8/12/2021SE California and SW Arizona110 miles*7/10/2021Tucson area, AZ5/7/2021San Luis Valley, New Mexico & Colorado3/22/2021Western Texas130 miles*10/14/2020SE Colorado, SW Kansas & NW Oklahoma200 miles6/28/2020Southern Nevada4/30/2020Boise area, ID30 miles4/28/2020Eastern Washington10/8/2019Denver area, CO6/5/2019Lubbock-Big Spring, TX130 miles*8/2/2018Phoenix area, AZ7/9/2018SW Arizona7/5/2018Albuquerque area, NM10/18/2017Salt Lake City area, UT9/11/2017Salton Sea area, CA6/24/2017Las Cruces area, NM8/23/2016Phoenix area, AZ6/6/2016Central New Mexico5/29/2016Lubbock area, TX9/6/2014Phoenix area, AZ8/13/2014Eastern Washington7/20/2014NW Nevada75 miles*7/3/2014Phoenix area, AZ7/4/2013Twin Falls area, ID6/29/2013El Paso/Las Cruces, TX/NM6/7/2013Albuquerque area, NM6/3/2013Las Cruces area, NM7/21/2012Phoenix area, AZ6/16/2012Phoenix area, AZ10/17/2011Lubbock area, TX9/11/2011Phoenix area, AZ7/5/2011Phoenix area, AZ100 miles* Estimated using radar images or based on news reports Image of 6/19/24 haboob in New Mexico from aircraft – Source: washingtonpost.com/@thelensofpeet

SOURCES:

Haboob approaches Phoenix on 7/21/12 – Source: weather.com

https://panethos.wordpress.com/2024/06/24/chronology-of-recent-haboobs-dust-storms-across-the-american-west/

#cities #claimate #dustStorms #environment #geography #haboobs #history #planning #travel #weather

'Unbelievable': Video shows massive dust storm rolling across New Mexico

A dust storm, also known as a haboob enveloped parts of New Mexico for several minutes on Wednesday, watch footage of its movement here.

USA TODAY