On Sunday Oct. 11, 2020, much of Kansas and parts of Colorado experienced are large cloud of dust rolling in over the plains. The dust limited vision on highways and interstates, causing multiple stops and accidents. The cloud of dust was eerily rolling over the Hays area late in the evening, but other areas dealt with the dust all day long.

Many farmers are harvesting their crops, so the dirt is turned over and loose. Because of this, the dirt storm was more severe in rural areas that had more farming. The winds also sent stalks of harvested corn through the air, furthermore taking away the ability to see for drivers on the highways and interstate.

According to an article posted by 9News, the dust storm that rolled through Kansas and much of the midwestern states is called a “haboob”. The American Meteorological Society defines haboobs as intense walls of dust brought by strong winds. The dust during a haboob can bring dust as high as 5,000 feet and can cause low visibility and difficulty breathing.

Sunday’s haboob was brought in by winds from a severe thunderstorm and a cold front this week. This cold front brought Hays the first freeze of the season, causing multiple backyard gardens to reach the end of the season.

High winds are likely for the rest of the week, but none quite like Sunday’s storm.

 

Link to source news article:

https://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/content/large-haboob-blows-across-high-plains