Dust storm engulfs Qld town
A small town in Queensland's south-west was engulfed by a cloud of dust, when a dust storm struck at about 6.30pm(AEST) yesterday.
Bedourie resident Ashytn Krause says the cloud was orange in colour and took everyone by surprise.
"We weren't expecting it at all.
"It would have been frightening for people who've never seen one before," said Ashytn.
Ms Krause says this particular storm was moving really fast and was followed by a strong wind blowing things around.
In its wake the storm didn't leave damage, only a bit of dust in locals' homes.
Residents say the town does see this kind of storm sometimes, but that the last time they'd seen one was probably as long ago as 2009.
7News Meteorologist Tony Auden says due to the heat in Western Queensland, the thunderstorms are usually high above the ground, at more than 10 to 15 thousand feet.
"Because of this, any rain can evaporate before it hits the ground. As the atmosphere cools with this evaporating rain, it sinks compared to the surrounding hot air, and very strong winds speeds become much more likely," said Tony Auden.
He said as much of western Queensland is still in drought, these strong winds will pick up dust and blow it ahead of the storm, leading to these spectacular pictures.
