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Massive red dust storm sweeps quickly across the Riverina

More than 5000 homes lost power after large clouds of dust swept across the Riverina on Tuesday whipped up by strong thunderstorms in the region. People who were hit by the Mars-like atmosphere said the storm was over as quickly as it started. SEE THE PHOTOS.

Epic dust storm in rural NSW

More than 5000 homes lost power after large clouds of dust swept across the Riverina on Tuesday whipped up by strong thunderstorms in the region.

The towns of Temora, Ariah Park and Barellan were in the firing line as the Southern Ranges took on a Mars-like atmosphere.

The huge dust storm approaching the town of Temora. Picture: Supplied
The huge dust storm approaching the town of Temora. Picture: Supplied

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“Around 5,300 customers in the West Wyalong, Ariah Park, Ardlethan, Temora, Young, Cootamundra, Junee and surrounds were affected by storms on Monday and Tuesday.

“Supply has been progressively restored to most houses and business through those areas”.

As of Tuesday afternoon, around 55 houses and business were left without power, according to Essential Energy statistics.

The omnious red dust storm whipped up by strong winds. Picture: Aaron Burnett
The omnious red dust storm whipped up by strong winds. Picture: Aaron Burnett

Aaron Burnett said the storm was over as quickly as it began.

“It rolled in as a big cloud of dust and wind. Everything picked up for a minute and all of a sudden it was gone,” he said.

“It was red dust, like a typical country door red.”

Towns were blanketed in dust. Picture: Wendy Holland
Towns were blanketed in dust. Picture: Wendy Holland
The dust storm were caused by thunderstorms. Picture: Instagram/@aus_girl_mel
The dust storm were caused by thunderstorms. Picture: Instagram/@aus_girl_mel
The storm was over as quickly as it started. Farmers braced for the dust in Burley Griffin. Picture: Aaron Burnett
The storm was over as quickly as it started. Farmers braced for the dust in Burley Griffin. Picture: Aaron Burnett

A spokeswoman from the Bureau of Meteorology said that the cause of the red skies was simply a strong thunderstorm.

“This storm wouldn’t classify as dust storm. It was a thunderstorm and the strong winds, generated from it, lifted the dust off the ground and blew it around,” she said.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/massive-red-dust-storm-sweeps-quickly-across-the-riverina/news-story/ded05867ca1f2fe4000bd55026bc60b9