Charleville is no stranger to dust storms, but residents say the thick, bright orange layer left behind is novel

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

A striking cloud of thick red dust has covered the small town of Charleville in rural Queensland after wild weather swept through the state.

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The dust phenomenon occurred on Tuesday when high winds swept through the area kicking up dust that had settled after a spell of dry weather.

While dust storms are not uncommon in the area, locals said it was unusual for the dust cover to be so thick and brightly coloured.

Heavy rain and damaging winds left other parts of northern and inland Queensland with a large cleanup operation after trees were uprooted and roofs ripped off during the storm’s peak.

7 News Townsville (@7NewsTownsville) Strong winds on Ingham Road. Video: Kerrie N Brett Norrie. Report on 7 News at 6pm. https://t.co/S2zedd1Ggt #qldweather #7News pic.twitter.com/6fFcOrPojQ

Wild storms swept in on Tuesday night causing immense property damage, 30,000 homes losing power and debris smashing through windows. Wind gusts tore 1000 square metres from the roof of Mount Isa hospital. Debris from the roof also damaged parts of an adjoining block. No one was injured.

At Moranbah, inland from Mackay, severe winds gusted above 100km/h ripping down power lines and trees, with trampolines said to have flown through the air.

Residents said the strength of the wind was “worse” than what they encountered from category four Cyclone Debbie 11 months ago.



Unlike the 2009 dust storm that swept across the east coast of Australia, this year’s was localised in southern Queensland. The storm in 2009, which affected New South Wales and Queensland, was visible from space and a Nasa satellite image showed the dust plume stretched up to 3,450km (2,144 miles).

Facebook Twitter Pinterest An apt warning sign on a farm gate near Charleville as the dust storm hits. Photograph: Bec Brayley/Twitter

Winds in Charleville, which is about 700km west of Brisbane, reached 96km/h and the storm was accompanied by temperatures above 30C. During the peak of the storm, visibility at the airport was just 200m.

Royal Flying Doctor (@RoyalFlyingDoc) What is the best way to deal with a #duststorm? Hope that you have closed the windows at home and find the closest Pilot. Good news our nurses in #Charleville know who to call. Video filmed on the way home from a clinic in #Windorah pic.twitter.com/4lBZmGwltp

Marie Crook King from Glenorie Station told the ABC her house was looking “pretty ordinary” after the storm and she’d have to spend some time sweeping the dust out.

“We get used to that sort of thing here — when the wind dies down you clean it up and start again,” the 80-year-old said.

A number trees fell down as a result of the strong winds.