Several Dead As 'Freak' Sandstorm Blankets Tehran, Iran [PHOTOS]
adf
A massive "freak" sandstorm has hit Tehran, Iran, bringing high winds and knocking out power in 50,000 homes, Agence France Presse reports.
At least three people have died and dozens more were injured in the storm, which arrived very suddenly on Monday.
Wind gusts reached 70 miles per hour, The Washington Post notes. There was little warning that the storm was coming, and it seemed to hit all at once - in one hour, the temperature dropped from 91 degrees to 66 degrees, and moderate breeze turned to violent winds.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration explains that these wind storms, or "haboobs," form "when air is forced down and pushed forward by the front of a traveling thunderstorm cell, [and] it drags with it dust and debris." The storms typically last from 10 to 30 minutes, and a dust wall that forms can reach up to 10,000 feet.
Some of the photos of the storm are insane:
More pics of the storm that enveloped #Tehran just minutes ago pic.twitter.com/H7O8HHsSLD
- Meet Iran (@MeetIran) June 2, 2014
UNPRECEDENTED - A massive sand/wind/dust storm hits #Iran's capital #Tehran, turning day into night in just minutes pic.twitter.com/6BPG4EZGkv
- Meet Iran (@MeetIran) June 2, 2014
Sandstorm hit Tehran moving 130 KMPH caused deaths. Pls pray for our Shia in the Iranian Republic. More photos soon. pic.twitter.com/IJhWxQQdtk
- Brother Tawhidi (@Tawhidicom) June 2, 2014
How terrifying to look out your window in Tehran and see this unprecedented sandstorm coming at you. pic.twitter.com/0XpHhWQ8j5
- Arash Karami (@thekarami) June 2, 2014
A picture of the sandstorm in Tehran, taken right now by a friend living there. See previous Tweet. pic.twitter.com/0H82qIkN2M
- Brother Tawhidi (@Tawhidicom) June 2, 2014
And here's a video:
- Welcome to the white-collar recession
- Singapore Airlines was ordered to pay a couple compensation for 'mental agony' after they complained their business-class seats didn't automatically recline
- A 101-year-old woman keeps getting mistaken for a baby on flights and says it's because American Airlines' booking system can't handle her age
- “Wish to follow in the footsteps of PM Modi!” ‘Anupamaa’ star Rupali Ganguly joins BJP
- “Wish to follow in the footsteps of PM Modi!” ‘Anupamaa’ star Rupali Ganguly joins BJP
- Assassin’s Creed Mirage on iPhone 15: Killer game to debut on Pro and iPad on June 6
- 5 worst cooking oils for your health
- From fiber to protein: 10 health benefits of including lentils in your diet