"Black blizzards" are severe dust storms that often occur in arid and semi-arid regions. These storms picked up immense amounts of dust and debris and reduced visibility significantly. Synonyms for "black blizzards" are often referred to as a "dust storm," "dust cloud," or "sandstorm." These storms are caused by strong winds whipping up loose soil and sand, and they can have a devastating impact on the environment, ecology and human health, and property. Other synonyms include "haboob" which is a type of dust storm commonly found in African and Middle Eastern areas and "simoom," which is a hot, dry, dust-laden wind that blows in the deserts of North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.