Australia looks like Mars as dust storm blots out sun
A storm that would look more at home on Mars turned day to night in Australia on Tuesday.
A massive dust storm blotted out the sun for about an hour in several towns along the northern tip of the state of Victoria, east of Adelaide, late Tuesday afternoon (local time).
The Bureau of Meteorology's Victoria office reported wind gusts as high as 87 km/h accompanied the colossal wall of dust as it blew through several small towns in the region. Local residents said the storm lingered for about an hour before skies finally cleared.
Reuters reports that flights were grounded at the local airport in Mildura until 8:30 p.m. local time.
Dust storms are not uncommon in dry areas, especially in the kinds of deserts and semi-arid regions that make up much of Australia's interior.