A dust storm is a real natural disaster, leaving behind a scorched earth, without plants and insects. Most often, dust storms occur in spring and summer and are strong winds with fine dust and sand. This phenomenon is associated with the state of the soil cover and the terrain. Most often, dust storms can be found in areas with loose soil and devoid of green spaces. Dust storms are relatively rare in winter.

The regions of the North Caucasus, Stavropol Territory, southeastern regions of the Rostov region, Primorsky Territory, Crimea, Kazakhstan and southwestern Ukraine are most susceptible to the formation of dust storms. The data of meteorologists will help to find out about the approach of a dangerous phenomenon.

Disaster

The weather on our planet is changeable, and the consequences of its changeability are equated with natural disasters. The force of the wind is able to lift up not only dust and small debris, but also the top layer of soil along with crops. During strong winds, dust and earth particles can be lifted more than 3-4 meters and moved for many kilometers. History knows cases when dust storms uprooted and carried trees and stones.

It should be noted that the danger of a dust storm also lies in the gust of the wind, as well as reduced visibility. Dust storms can cause serious harm to human health if they enter the respiratory tract and eyes. In addition, very often dust storms overcome hundreds of thousands of kilometers, bringing dust and land from distant countries to us. Frequent natural disasters often became the cause of economic disasters caused by crop failure and destruction.

Formation process

The main indicator of the formation of a dust storm is a strong wind (the speed of which exceeds 10 m / s). The weather in Astrakhan is  known for its winds, the movement of which creates turbulence and eddies. The increase in wind speed leads to the rise of dry soil particles, which, under the influence of the wind force, turn into dust and move easily.

Swirls caused by fast and strong winds are considered more dangerous. Such storms are capable of moving not only fine dust, but also larger soil particles, small stones and debris. Particle distribution depends on the ambient temperature. Most often, dust storms occur during a drought, when the air temperature exceeds 28-29 ° C. It should be noted that small particles are most often found in the upper layers of the air, while larger ones rise low and quickly fall down with gusts of wind.

Several conditions are necessary for the formation of a dust storm: prolonged drought and strong wind. In some cases, a dust storm can lift more than 5 million tons of fine particles and soil.

Depending on the duration, there are short-term and long-term dust storms. A short-term dust storm occurs unexpectedly and can last from 30 minutes to 1-2 hours, during which visibility deteriorates. The harbinger of a dust storm is an increase in wind speed and a gray curtain.

What to do?

When a dust storm is approaching, you need to stop and find support to help you keep your balance. It is useless to withstand a strong wind, you will only waste your strength. The best option is to hide from the dust storm in a closed shelter, however, if for some reason you cannot do this, take all measures to protect your head. The force of the wind can knock you down, lie on the ground (it is advisable to find some kind of support, for example, a large boulder or an old large tree), cover your head with clothes, it is recommended to breathe during a dust storm through a handkerchief folded several times. Dust storms are often accompanied by high temperatures, which can cause loss of consciousness. In the summer, always carry a small water bottle with you to help you weather a dust storm.

When you come home, be sure to cleanse the mucous membrane of your mouth and nose from dust particles, take a shower and thoroughly clean your clothes. If dust enters the respiratory system, seek immediate medical attention.

Follow the weather forecast. In addition to data on the temperature regime, the  weather in Rostov-on-Don  and other cities contains data such as wind speed, the possibility of precipitation and atmospheric pressure, by which you can independently determine the possibility of a dust storm.