Bawi whips up dust storm in Hualien; motorcyclists struggle to see

Strong winds associated with Typhoon Bawi's outer bands whipped up a significant sandstorm along the Hualien River in Taiwan, creating hazardous conditions for drivers, particularly motorcyclists. The phenomenon transformed parts of the Hualien valley into a "dust bowl," obscuring visibility and forcing riders to squint or close their eyes to navigate.

Motorcyclists crossing the Hualien Bridge described the experience as terrifying. "The bridge was shaking," said one rider, who regretted not wearing better head protection. "It was hard to keep my balance, and the wind-blown sand made it almost impossible to open my eyes. I came home covered in dust, with sand in my mouth and nose."

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The bridge was shaking. It was hard to keep my balance, and the wind-blown sand made it almost impossible to open my eyes. I came home covered in dust, with sand in my mouth and nose.

The intense northeasterly winds, channeled along the Hualien River valley, picked up dry sand and dust from the riverbed. This was exacerbated by sediment from a previous landslide that had covered the natural vegetation. The resulting dust clouds blanketed an area stretching 40 to 50 kilometers, from Ji'an to Guangfu township, leaving residents and those in temporary shelters witnessing the hazy skies and debris rolling by.

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Bawi hasn't truly arrived, but the people of Hualien are already eating dirt!