haboob-a violent dust storm or sandstorm.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you we had a small haboob come through Thursday evening. I first noticed the wind pounding against the screen door to the patio, and tree branches whipping back and forth. When I went outside it was like being inside a sand cloud.
That’s because we were inside a sand cloud. It was the result of the winds at the front of a thunderstorm blowing a huge cloud of dust and sand over us. Glad I wasn’t out driving. Haboobs are supposed to be rare here, but the weather report stated we could have another one if we get more thunderstorms nearby.
I learned that if I was driving when a sandstorm hits, I should pull off to the side of the road and turn off the car’s lights. If the lights are on, someone could plow into you thinking they are following the car in front of them. We usually get severe weather alerts on our cell phone. This haboob must have been moving too fast for an alert.
Weekend Coffee Share is hosted by Natalie at Natalie the Explorer.
Notes Tied On The Sagebrush 
Stay safe! Prayers for all those out on the road…
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We are ok now. It was over pretty quick. Thank you, Bette.
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Great! 🍂 Have a beautiful week, Deborah!
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You as well, Bette.
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That seems really scary. Also damaging…doesn’t it sandblast everything including your car?
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It was a bit scary to see the air full of brownish grit and dust. Our car was in the garage. The wind did knock down some trees around town. It moved through pretty quick so I did not see sandblasting effects around here.
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I learned something new. Thanks
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You are welcome.
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Haboobs are scary! The lack of visibility reminds me of the tule fog in the Central Valley where I grew up. Glad you were home and safe when it blew through.
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Yes, it was pretty crazy. I’ve read there have been some big ones in Arizona.
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Interesting word, haboob. From Arabic…
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Yes. This phenomenon often occurs in the Sahara. Apparently translates to ‘blowing furiously, or big blasting winds,’ which sounds about right.
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I had a friend like that, like a hot, blasting wind. A scirocco, if you will…
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That might not be good.
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Thank you for your weekend coffee share. I’m glad to hear the haboob moved through quickly and you’re safe.
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Thank you, Natalie.
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Oooh wow this is frightening. I’ve never heard of a haboob in California before. I’ve heard they are more likely to happen in Arizona…
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Yes, they are supposed to be rare here. Well with all the climate changes, who knows.
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We sometimes get dust blown from the Sahara, but not quite a haboob!
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It is really interesting how the dust from the Sahara travels all around the globe. I think some of it ends up in South America. The haboob was pretty crazy.
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Yes, haboobs are scary and strange. We get them here every once in awhile. Your description is right – a sand cloud. 🙂
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Well, it’s good they blow over pretty fast although the residual pollution hung on longer.
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