A monster red dust storm has swept across the South Australian outback, blocking out the sky and turning day into night in minutes.
The storm was seen about 100km south of Cooper Pedy about 6pm on Thursday.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Freak dust storm in South Australian outback.
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Gusts of up to 137km/h smashed into workers at a nearby mine, where the storm seemingly came out of nowhere.
Those who did not take shelter found themselves surrounded and battered by wind and thick red dust, and significantly reduced visibility.
One man eventually managed to scramble to safety while being blinded by the storm.
“I couldn’t even see the f****** door handles,” he said in footage of the storm.
“Was that a f****** tornado or what?“
Visibility was reduced to zero in other parts of the state’s north as well, forcing motorists off the Stuart Hwy.
Residents in Glendambo faced searing temperatures, strong winds and a power outage.
“It is absolutely stinking hot and a mega dust storm has just blown in up here,” a man said in footage of the storm.
“And we’ve got no power.”
Dust storms can carry more than just dust, picking up soil, sand, microorganisms such as bacteria and spores of fungi, the South Australian Government said on its website.
“Health impacts of dust can vary and may cause irritation to the eyes, nose and skin, which can be alleviated by washing the area well with water,” the government said.
“For more susceptible people, dust and pollen can cause a range of issues including difficulty in breathing.
“If you have asthma, or another chronic respiratory condition, and you experience chest tightness, wheezing, coughing or shortness of breath, you should follow your prescribed action plan.”
Infants, children, the elderly, and those who suffer from conditions such as asthma, bronchitis or emphysema, heart (cardiovascular) disease or other heart-related conditions, and diabetes are most at risk.
The government advises the community to stay indoors with closed windows, doors, and vents during a dust storm.
Appropriate air conditioning settings should also be used to prevent outside air from coming in.
If you are driving when a dust storm hits, the government advises motorists to reduce speed and turn on your vehicle’s headlights.
“If visibility is too low to drive, park in a safe place to avoid collisions and turn on your hazard lights,” the government said.
“Do not park under trees.”
“If your car has air conditioning, reduce the incoming dust by switching the air intake to recirculate.”