Sandstorms

Sandstorms are strong winds that lift vast amounts of sand and dust into the atmosphere, reducing visibility and creating severe breathing, health, and travel hazards. Unlike haboobs, which are caused by thunderstorm downdrafts, sandstorms can occur under dry, windy conditions with loose soil—often across deserts and semi-arid regions such as the American Southwest, parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and even agricultural plains during droughts.

Sandstorms can black out the sun, reduce visibility to near zero, and carry fine particles that damage lungs, eyes, engines, and electronics. These storms may last minutes or hours, and in rare cases, days. They are particularly dangerous for travelers, outdoor workers, and those with respiratory conditions.

Preparedness Actions

Before a Sandstorm

  • Stay informed by monitoring local weather advisories and the National Weather Service (NWS).

  • Seal homes against dust: close windows, vents, and use damp towels or draft stoppers under doors.

  • Stock up on N95 or P100 masks to filter fine particles.

  • Keep goggles or protective eyewear ready to shield eyes.

  • Store extra air filters for home HVAC systems and vehicles.

  • Ensure emergency water and food supplies are stored indoors.

During a Sandstorm

  • Indoors: Stay inside, close curtains, turn off ventilation pulling outdoor air, and avoid opening doors unnecessarily.

  • Outdoors: Cover mouth and nose with a cloth or mask, protect eyes with goggles, and seek shelter quickly.

  • Driving: Pull over safely, turn off lights to avoid rear-end collisions, engage the parking brake, and wait until visibility improves. Never attempt to “drive through” a sandstorm.

After a Sandstorm

  • Ventilate only after conditions improve to avoid drawing dust inside.

  • Replace air filters in HVAC systems, cars, and air purifiers.

  • Inspect property for damage to roofs, solar panels, or outdoor equipment.

  • Seek medical care if experiencing breathing difficulties, eye irritation, or persistent cough.

Recovery Guidance

  • Document damage to property and vehicles for insurance purposes.

  • Clean electronics carefully; use compressed air to remove dust from sensitive parts.

  • For agricultural areas, assess soil erosion and crop loss.

  • Communities affected by repeated sandstorms may need long-term strategies such as windbreak planting, soil stabilization, and air filtration upgrades.

Key Resources

National Weather Service – Dust and Sandstorm Safety
Official guidance on preparedness and response during dust and sandstorms.
weather.gov/safety/duststorm

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Particulate Matter (PM) and Health
Health information about fine particles and dust exposure impacts.
epa.gov/pm-pollution

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality – Air Quality Monitoring
Provides live updates on air quality, including dust and sandstorm advisories.
azdeq.gov

Recommended Apps

FEMA App – Sends Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), including dust storm warnings in affected regions.
fema.gov/mobile-app

AirVisual / IQAir – Tracks real-time air quality, including dust and particulate levels.
iqair.com/world-air-quality

MyRadar – Provides wind and storm movement tracking with alerts for areas prone to dust and sandstorms.
myradar.com

AccuWeather – Forecasts wind events, sandstorm probabilities, and air quality conditions.
accuweather.com