Dust storm taking over the highway in Southern California. Modern-day dust storms are powerful weather events caused by strong winds lifting dry, loose soil into the air, often made worse by drought, heat, and land disturbance. These storms can reduce visibility to near zero, damage crops, erode topsoil, disrupt transportation, and create serious health risks by carrying fine particles that affect the lungs and heart. Some dust storms travel hundreds of miles and can last for hours or even days.