Sand Storms

Sand Storms

Many of us have seen sand storms in the movies. The recent Mission Impossible movie, partly filmed in Dubai, featured one. 

Having lived here for over 2 years now, I have actually witnessed quite a few sand storms! And while they are not quite a glamorous as the movies would portray, they can be pretty cool!! 

The most recent storm occurred one afternoon as I was sitting at my computer in the dining area. I suddenly noticed what first looked like smoke coming from a building across the water at the Mall. It created a neat picture so I ran to get my camera. By the time I returned the entire Mall was engulfed in a cloud and the palm trees in the park across the street were swaying in wind reminiscent of an afternoon Florida rain storm!!

I realized this must be a sand storm! The cloud of sand moved very quickly as the wind was stronger than I had ever seen. The very tall buildings across the park were quickly lost in the cloud. The scene changed so quickly -by the minute! 

I had stepped out onto our balcony at this point and looking down into the street I began to see signs bending in the wind, road barricades falling over, and sand swirling in small funnels blowing across the streets! People walking outside we’re covering their faces with whatever they could! It was all happening so fast! The sky had turned a weird grey color with clouds quickly flowing by. 

 And as fast as the storm had arrived, it was gone-blown across the island and over to the mainland!

Last year I had witnessed another storm that had actually came at us from the mainland and looked more like a scene from the movies! I noticed the sky to the south becoming cloudy. I should mention that we don’t often have clouds so when we do it gets noticed!! Anyway, I stepped outside onto the balcony from the living room and watched as this “wall” of sand approached! Just like in the movies! It again enveloped the tall buildings across the park – all but the very tops of the 70+ story buildings were gone! And just like the other storms, it blew away and was clear!