What is a haboob?

Winds whipped up a dust storm in west Texas on Sunday. These dust storms are called haboobs, and they are often seen in the Southwest during monsoon season.

A wall of dust was spotted in Odessa, Texas, on Sunday. This dust storm is called a haboob, and they are a common sight during monsoon season in the Southwest.

Haboobs are caused by gusty outflow winds that come from thunderstorms or intense rain. These winds pick up dust and sand, creating a dust storm. You can see the thunderstorm winds that produced Sunday's haboob on the WeatherRadar, with the winds visible on the WindRadar.

These incredible dust storms can rise to heights of up to 10,000 feet. They can also create near-zero visibility at ground level. If you find yourself in a haboob, seek shelter indoors. If you are on the road, pull to the side and turn your vehicle's lights on.