A severe dust storm has hit parts of regional New South Wales, causing widespread power blackouts for many residents.

The Bureau of Meteorology today issued a thunderstorm warning for the state, it has since been cancelled for regional parts, but remains in place in the Hunter and Illawarra.

Areas of the Riverina; including Griffith, Temora, Ariah Park and Barellan were hit by the storm around lunchtime.

A severe dust storm has swept through New South Wales. (aus_girl_mel)

The top soil was whipped up by strong winds, turning the sky a deep red for several hours.

More than 5000 homes lost power in the area.

Griffith, Temora, Ariah Park, Barellan were hit around lunchtime. (bilby_tracker)

There were than 5000 power outages thanks to the storm. (davidwilkes_)

“So glad I wasn’t home to see the dust storm today. Sand over dust any day,” wrote one Temora local on Instagram.

“The weather is extreme out here, and I always leave Currawinya with much more respect for the wildlife that manages to survive and thrive in this harsh country,” said another who weathered the dust.

“We want rain!” wrote another alongside a photo of the dust, clearly wishing the thunderstorm brought with it more than wind.

As of late this afternoon all but about 50 customers had their power restored.