Paulette's Little Corner of the Internet: Dust Storm; Sand Storm; Rain Storm; Flash Floods

Wow! We had some weird weather in the desert last night. We arrived Friday night and when we woke up Saturday morning it was overcast and humid. Later in the afternoon about 5ish, I was getting dinner ready and looking out the back window here in my kitchen and you could see the dark wall coming across the desert. Actually it didn't seem like it was moving that fast. The first thing you could hear was the thunder and a couple of lightning bolts. So I was anticipating rain. But no....what we got was a HUGE dust cloud with wind blowing like CRAZY! It got dark in the house and I looked out the window and I couldn't see more then 50 feet. Visability was almost zero. Of course I snatched up my camera and started taking pictures thru the windows. It was blowing so hard outside and the dust and sand were everywhere, I didn't dare go out there.

Here it comes!

Looking out towards Debbies house. Where is Debbies house???

Back row of houses, looking out our back slider door

After the initial duststorm, the sand was flying. Our front porch area has a fresh layer of sand up there I have to sweep up.

The power actually flickered in and out 3 times, but fortunately didn't stay completely out. Pretty soon the big FAT raindrops started coming. The rain was almost coming sideways hitting the back of the house and just covering my back slider and kitchen window.

Here comes the rain

Now that the sand and dust wasn't flying around anymore, Deb and I grabbed a glass of wine and went out to the front porch and watched the rain, the lightning and listened to the thunder. Southern California doesn't give you many storms like this and it was a joy to watch.

The rain came down so fast and swiftly that the roads out front started to fill up with water. Now you KNOW what they talk about when they say flash floods are imminent. It was amazing how much water comes down in the span of 20 minutes (if that) Enjoy the pictures of our weird weather! It certainly was a treat to watch!

Water out in front of the house