The massive dust storms caused farmers to lose their livelihoods and their homes. Deflation from the Depression aggravated the plight of Dust Bowl farmers. Prices for the crops they could grow fell below subsistence levels. In 1932, the federal government sent aid to the drought-affected states.

Droughts and dust storms caused by poor tillage practices devastated farms and ranches of the Great Plains; therefore, causing a great depression. The Great Depression and the New Deal changed forever the relationship between Americans and their government.

The agricultural devastation helped to lengthen the Great Depression, whose effects were felt worldwide. One hundred million acres of the Southern Plains were turning into a wasteland of the Dust Bowl. Large sections of five states were affected — Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado and New Mexico.

The Dust Bowl was the name given to the drought-stricken Southern Plains region of the United States, which suffered severe dust storms during a dry period in the 1930s. As high winds and choking dust swept the region from Texas to Nebraska, people and livestock were killed and crops failed across the entire region.

Sandstorms can generate spectacular lightning displays, but how they do so is a mystery. Sand is an insulator, so seeing sandstorms generate lightning would be somewhat like watching electricity emerge from a storm full of rubber balls.

A huge plume of dust and sand, blown by the wind from the Sahara Desert, has finally reached the U.S. mainland. It’s one of the most significant Saharan dust events in decades, forecasters said.

Dust and sand storms are among nature’s most violent and unpredictable phenomena. High winds lift dirt or sand particles into the air, unleashing a turbulent, suffocating cloud that can reduce visibility to almost nothing in a matter of seconds and cause property damage, injuries, and deaths.

Dust devils are related to tornadoes, but do not form the same way. Dust devils form when hot air near the surface rises quickly through a small pocket of cooler, low-pressure air above it. If conditions are just right, the air will begin to rotate. They can be powerful, but not as powerful as tornadoes.

Tropical Storm Norma

Make sure the car windows are rolled up and the doors and all vents tightly shut, and turn off any lights—headlights and interior lights—so other drivers do not mistake you for being on the road and try to follow you. Keep your seatbelt fastened and do not get out of the car! Stay put until the haboob has passed by.

Larger particles such as sand may become trapped in the nose and throat but can be expelled by coughing or sneezing. Very small, fine particles (particulates) may cause more serious health problems because they can be inhaled deep into the lungs and airways.

Here Are 6 Ways To Protect Yourself In A Sandstorm

1. What happens during a sandstorm? Areas located around exposed sand are at larger risk of sandstorms – a sandstorm occurs when high amounts of strong winds occur in deserts.
2. Take caution when driving.
3. Cover your nose and mouth.
4. Protect your eyes.
5. Stay indoors.
6. Be prepared.
7. Don’t panic.