Haboob Hits the Phoenix Area Again

     ha·boob

[huh-boob] 
noun
a thick dust storm or sandstorm that blows in the deserts of North Africa and Arabia or on the plains of India. 

 

Origin:
1895–1900;  < Arabic habūb  a strong wind

Encyclopedia

strong wind that occurs along the southern edges of the Sahara in The Sudan and is associated with large sandstorms and dust storms and may be accompanied by thunder storms.  It usually last about three hours, is most common during the summer, and may blow from any direction.  A haboob may transport huge quantities of sand or dust, which move as a dense wall that can reach a height of 900 metres (about 3,000 feet). The term haboob is taken from the Arabic word habb meaning wind. 

     What part of the descriptions sound like Arizona?  I really don't understand the locations mentioned but the description is sure right on.  This year seems to be a record year for these storms that we use to just call 'dust storms', now they have a proper name - Haboob.  No matter what you call them, they can be very dangerous, especially if you are driving on a surface street or the freeway. 

 

     Here's a few safty tips for anyone driving through any type of storm, weather it be rain, smoke or dust.

Quick Safety Tips:

• Avoid driving into or through a dust storm.  
• Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway -- do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can.
• If you encounter a dust storm, check traffic immediately around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.
• Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane; look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.
• Stop the vehicle in a position ensuring it is a safe distance from the main roadway and away from where other vehicles may travel.
• Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers.
• Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.
• Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelts buckled and wait for the storm to pass.
• Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds.
• A driver's alertness and safe driving ability is still the number one factor to prevent crashes.

When returning to the pavement, be aware that the road may be slippery and in some cases, pavement markings may be obscured by sand and dust blown on the road. Rain frequently accompanies dust storms and will cause slippery conditions.

Drive carefully. 

If you don't understand the importance of getting off the road and out of the storm, just watch this one more video - no words can explain this experience as well as this vid