Haboob
|
|
A haboob is a type of intense dust storm characteristic of very dry regions. They are most commonly observed in the Sahara desert and in the dry regions of the United States Southwest, such as Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.
Haboobs are associated with outflows from severe thunderstorms. Dust clouds associated with haboobs typically rise thousands of feet into the air and are capable of reducing visibility to zero. Eye and respiratory system protection are advisable for anyone who must be outside during a haboob - moving to a place of shelter is highly desirable during a strong event.
Since haboobs involve both dust and thunderstorms, occasionally conditions result which cause them to merge. The resulting rain can have considerable quantities of dust within it. Severe cases have been called mud storms by observers.
The root of the word haboob is from the Arabic words for phenomena and wind.