Man dies after six-vehicle crash in severe NSW dust storm

A man has died after a six-vehicle smash, involving a bus and a semi-trailer, in the midst of a severe dust storm in the NSW Riverina.

The 60-year-old driver died after a bus rear-ended his car on the Newell Highway in Mirrool, south of West Wyalong on Sunday morning, police said.

The man's car was the fifth in a line of vehicles that crashed into each other, causing a domino effect among the three cars (including one towing a caravan, a B-double trcuk, a ute, and a bus that shut down the highway for several hours.

The man was airlifted to Canberra Hospital where he later died.

Meanwhile more than 1000 homes in Canberra were left without power after the dust storm sent gusts of up to 82km/h through the city.

Powerlines were brought down and trees were uprooted as the storm wreaked havoc through at least 18 suburbs.

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The Emergency Services Agency attempted to ease residents’ fears.

"While Canberrans may be concerned about the dust at this time, ACT Health reports that the particles are high up in the atmosphere and that the air quality at ground level is good," it said.

"People with respiratory illnesses who are concerned can take the precaution of avoiding strenuous activity and staying indoors with doors and windows closed."