On Wednesday, June 5, 2019, at approximately 6 p.m., Lubbock, Texas, was hit by a wall of dust, also known as a haboob, that had been generated by severe thunderstorms to the west.
The winds from these storms displaced the dry dust on the ground’s surface and pushed it toward the city, making up apocalyptic sceneries captured by social media users.
During the 6:00 pm hour on Wednesday, a wall of dirt hit Lubbock with impressive (or impressively bad) results.
Last post tonight about the dust storm, I promise! But this is a sweet time-lapse of it moving into Big spring. #txwx #StormTracker9 @TxStormChasers
— Anthony Franze (@AnthonyFranzeWX) June 6, 2019
Courtesy: Charles Ray Walker pic.twitter.com/VSLfH2UPMX
The National Weather Service reported a wind gust at 61 miles per hour south of Wolfforth as the wind storm hit Lubbock.
Did you see the wall of dust as it charged toward #Lubbock and @TexasTech today? The dust was picked up by strong outflow from a cluster of severe thunderstorms as they moved toward the city. #TxWx pic.twitter.com/pUHpoXgLX9
— Texas Tech Atmo. Sci (@Atmo_TTU) June 5, 2019
The NWS issued a dust storm warning at 6:21 pm, which stretched from south of Tahoka to north of Plainview.
Dangerous Haboob moving toward DyessAFB and West Abilene expect winds over 60 Mph. A blanket warning has been issued. #txwx #Abilene #DyessAFB #dust pic.twitter.com/vixNyMBhDR
— WCTXTNWAC (@wctxtnwac) June 6, 2019
The NWS said there were reports of zero visibility including Interstate 27 north of Lubbock.
Several viewers shared videos or images of the storm blasting through Lubbock. OMG!
zero visibility:
The wall of dust has moved into #Lubbock. These are our live weather cameras atop the Overton Hotel and the NTS Tower. #txwx #KLBK #KAM pic.twitter.com/hS3v8vHUyx
— Chris Whited (@severewxchaser) June 5, 2019
Just apocalyptic:
#ewwdirt #ohmy #lubwx #txwx I don't think I've ever seen a #haboob like this before! So cool! pic.twitter.com/5Ld2SnyYfd
— Sheila Griffin (@blueyedtex) June 5, 2019
These types of storms are known to occur in arid and semiarid regions, and the most common parts of the U.S. which experience them are the Arizona deserts, New Mexico, eastern California, and parts of the Lone Star State. In preparation for such an occurrence (which is difficult without advanced notification), eye and respiratory system protection are recommended. Moving quickly to shelter is also advisable.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a haboob like this before! Amazing!
