Heavy dust storm sweeps through South Australia’s Barossa Valley

Strong winds whipped up a massive dust storm through South Australia's Barossa Valley on March 17, 2016, from the site of Pinery bushfire where two lives have been lost in November 2015.

The storm caused a car crash involving five vehicles on the Horrocks Highway, near Tarlee. One person was taken to hospital but there were no serious injuries. Horrocks Hwy southbound towards Tarlee is closed, with traffic being redirected to Stockport, The Advertiser reported.

The Advertiser's article quoted Charmaine Holland, who lives at Nain, east of Freeling, saying the dust storm was “the most impressive” she had seen. 

“We had so many dust storms here in the last few months it’s not funny,” Holland said.

Thunderstorm pushing dust storm. #Barossa #mybarossa #SouthAustralia pic.twitter.com/vHYOgqo4RG

— Ilona Glastonbury (@IGlastonbury) March 17, 2016

Out picking for @TomfooleryWines in the #barossa before the cool change came through. pic.twitter.com/Om2b1CaQtT

— Adrian Hoffmann (@MrBarossa) March 17, 2016

Mental dust storm blowing in #Seppeltsfield #barossa pic.twitter.com/u7t3aUGSJa

— Travis Earth (@travisearth) March 17, 2016

The Bureau of Meteorology warned earlier "severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging wind gusts of 90 to 120 km/h (56 – 74 mph) and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Gawler, Whyalla, Port Augusta, Port Pirie, Clare, Wallaroo, Wudinna, Jamestown and Orroroo. 

The State Emergency Service advises that people should: 

* Secure or put away loose items around your property. 
* Move cars under cover or away from trees. 
* Keep clear of fallen power lines. 
* Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water. 
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains. 
* Stay indoors, away from windows, while storms are nearby. 

Featured image: Dust storm at Nain, east of Freeling, Australia on March 17, 2016. Credit Picture: Charmaine Holland