Its a blowing powerful wind. They become smaller. It blows static electricity. Push away or repel the ground. Winds that swirl around dust and sand are a common hazard in dry regions. But when such winds last a week as in Iraq in 2009, they cause problems varying from breathing difficulties to transport shutdown. To filter out small particulates put it on immediately. If you don't have a mask wrap bandanna or some other piece of cloth around your nose and mouth. Moisten it a bit if you have enough water. Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the inside of your nostrils to prevent drying of your mucous membranes.