Haboo, vee vill stop here and camp for the night. Set up sentries to be on the alert for lions, tigers, elephants and thieves. Yes, sabebe. Haboo is what I thought the weather people were saying. Haboo brings to mind someone with a turban and bare feet who carries stuff for the rich arrogant English gentlemen on safari in deep dark Af-ree-ka. Haboo might even carry a curvy sword.
Listening to the news, I thought they were joking. A haboo? No, it’s Haboob, which sounds even worse than Haboo. You don’t want to be walking around the truck stop whether it’s a haboo or a haboob. If it’s haboobing, you’d better be inside – preferably somewhere that’s haboob-proof.
Just what is an haboob? No, it’s not some weird flying bug or delicious candy that Poo Bear might be interested in. A haboob is a severe sand (dust) storm – the kind that has happened twice in Phoenix AZ the past month. No matter what language you speak or where you live, a haboob is a haboob. There is no Spanish translation for what is an Arabic term. Look at the photo – there’s a haboob, haboobing – about to haboob all over the place.
Haboob’s happen often over in Iraq, Kuwait and throughout the Sudan, which is where the Sahara Desert is. In the drylands of the U.S. - New Mexico, Texas and Arizona – as we’ve seen recently – prevailing weather conditions will result in a haboob. Here’s the deal - (Wikipedia) during thunderstorm formation, winds move in a direction opposite to the storm’s travel, and they will move from all directions into the thunderstorm.
When the storm collapses and begins to release precipitation, wind directions reverse, gusting outward from the storm and generally gusting strongest in the direction of the storm’s travel. *** no wonder I never did well in earth science *** When this downdraft, or "downburst”, reaches the ground, dry, loose sand from the desert settings is essentially blown up, creating a wall of sediment preceding the storm cloud.
This “wall” – the haboob – generally moves at about 25 to 50 miles per hour. The recent one in Phoenix traveled at almost 70 mph and was 3000 feet high. These “things” can be as wide as 60 miles – and the public – or whoever lives in the desert – camels and the like – have little or no warning that they’re about to be hit. A haboob, Arabic for phenomenon or strong wind, comes up suddenly and then about an hour or so later, it dissipates, and the damage can be severe.
New Scientist reports that “Across Arizona, over 100 dust storms have been reported in the past decade, according to the US National Climate Data Center. On average three dust storms a year hit Phoenix. However, local meteorologists say this storm was among the most severe they have seen in 30 years.”
Agreeing with that assessment is a past report in USA Today that states: “Iraqi scientists say recent sandstorms are some of the worst Iraq has seen in generations. The sun was blocked out for days. This is a sign that a big change in the climate is happening. It’s a big question why we are seeing these storms at this time of the year. The sandstorms are likely to increase in intensity and frequency in upcoming years.”
Here are some tips to help you deal with a haboob:
1. purchase an anti-haboob kit at the T/A or Pilot (just kidding, there is no such thing)
2. tune in to local TV or radio broadcasts before traveling in hot, dry conditions, and consider rerouting or delaying your trip if dust storms are predicted.
3. if you are in a storm-prone area, carry a mask designed to filter out small particulates, and bring airtight goggles to protect your eyes – safety glasses don’t work well.
4. if the storm is catching up with you, it’s best to stop and prepare for it. Once consumed by the storm, your visibility can potentially be reduced to zero in a matter of seconds.
5. if you are unable to safely pull off the road, keep your headlights on, turn on your hazard lights, slow down, and proceed with caution, sounding your horn periodically. Use the highway’s centerline to guide you if you can’t see in front of you. Pull over at the nearest safe spot.
6. if you’re in a vehicle, roll up the windows and turn off vents that bring outside air in.
7. if you have a camel, have it sit down and press yourself against its leeward side. Large German Shepard’s don’t count.
8. make sure you have water.
9. park your truck in between other rigs, not in the far part of the lot by yourself.
10. wait until the storm blows over before you go outside – the buffet can wait.
For additional helpful hints, tips and warnings go here: Haboob/LOTR – and FYI – the great lead photo was shot by Rob Schumacher – Arizona Republic.
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