Midland-Odessa Dust Storms Normal For Locals Shocking For Newcomers

No matter where in West Texas you may reside in, you would be hard-pressed to be able to escape the typical dust storm. A dust storm is a strong wind event that lifts and carries dust and sand, reducing visibility and creating hazardous conditions.  When it comes to hazardous conditions, there are also hazardous road conditions.

Get our free mobile app

@4wolfcattle♬ East Bound And Down - Jerry Reed & Bill Justis

@pinkhippyheather13 ♬ original sound - ☮️Pink Hippy Heather

 Dust storms happen all over the world, however, there is just something about the West Texas dust storm that just hits differently. For some, especially those who were born and raised here,  this is nothing new.  It is almost to a sense where they almost don't even notice it one local told me.  But what about the people who moved here from areas and cities where this type of thing doesn't typically happen? Let me be the first to say "We are not okay".  I lived in West Texas for a year while in my early twenties and the first time I saw a giant dust storm rage across the sky I was beside myself in shock.  It is literally a wall of dust and sand that comes from out of the sky as if it were rain.  Even now after returning after 20 years away it still blows me away.

I think some locals may oftentimes tend to forget is that this is not normal to most other people who previously lived in cities where the desert is not as prevalent as it is here.  I guess the best thing you could do is to explain to your friends who aren't as keen to regular dust storms is that somehow, you get used to it where maybe, one day they won't even be bothered by it.