The massive dust storms caused farmers to lose their livelihoods and their homes. Deflation from the Depression aggravated the plight of Dust Bowl farmers. Prices for the crops they could grow fell below subsistence levels. In 1932, the federal government sent aid to the drought-affected states.

The Dust Bowl was a period of severe dust storms that greatly damaged the ecology and agriculture of the American and Canadian prairies during the 1930s; severe drought and a failure to apply dryland farming methods to prevent the aeolian processes (wind erosion) caused the phenomenon.

Besides the introduction of advanced farming machinery, crops were bio-engineered; through hybridization and cross-breeding, development in crops were made that allowed them to be more drought-resistant, grow with less water, and on land in locations where water resources were scarcer.

If these Dust Bowl conditions do return, scientists say we should prepare for a shock to the food system. A recent study predicted that the U.S. would exhaust 94% of its wheat reserves in a four-year Dust Bowl-like event. This would lead to a 31% loss of global wheat stocks.

The Dust Bowl is a distant memory, but the odds of such a drought happening again are increasing. The impacts on agriculture could be dire, but fortunately, the next major drought will not cause a second dust bowl, as we are now better able to prevent soil erosion.

If you encounter a dust storm, immediately check traffic around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down. Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway — do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can.

Sandstorm: “A windstorm especially in a desert, that blows along great clouds of sand.” Dust storm: “A storm of strong winds and dust-filled air over an extensive area during a period of drought over normally arable land.”

A dust storm warning (SAME code: DSW) is issued by the National Weather Service in the United States when blowing dust is expected to frequently reduce visibility to 1⁄4 mile (400 m) or less, generally with winds of 25 miles per hour (40 km/h) or more.

“Predicting dust is very challenging. Models are not very good at predicting high winds, and you have to capture the precipitation right, which is also difficult to predict.

Health precautions

1. Avoid outdoor activity.
2. Cover your nose and mouth with a mask or damp cloth to reduce exposure to dust particles.
3. Avoid vigorous exercise, especially if you have asthma, diabetes or a breathing-related condition.
4. Stay indoors, with windows and doors closed.

Regular Preparation

1. Trim Your Trees.
2. Keep the Roof in Good Shape.
3. Put Away Umbrellas and Other Potential Hazards.
4. Keep Windows and Doors Shut During Storm.
5. Turn Off the A/C.
6. Clean and Maintain Your Air Conditioner.
7. Increase Ventilation To Help Remove Airborne Dust.
8. Use an Indoor Air Purifier.