Few sights look as apocalyptic as the leading edge of an incoming dust storm. Known as a haboob, these storms form when a downdraft spreads along the ground, picking up loose dust as the storm front advances. Winds inside the haboob can be severe; when one swept through Denver last year, my first clue was the trees outside my window whipping back and forth wildly, followed by the sky going dark and brownish. Photographer Mike Olbinksi’s short film offers a far better vantage, letting viewers appreciate the towering cloud as it bears down. (Video and image credit: M. Olbinski)
The Great Haboob Chase
