Watch a Texas Dust Devil Form Out of Nowhere

Houston, Texas isn’t exactly known for its tornadoes. But today, out of nowhere, a swirling column of dust appeared and took the camera person recording the video you can watch below by surprise.

This mini-twister, called a dust devil, was caught on video as it swirled to life in what looked to be either a gravel parking lot or road. Unlike tornadoes, which come from powerful storms, dust devils form when hot air near the ground rises quickly and starts spinning. They don’t need storm clouds or strong winds. They just need the right mix of heat, dry ground, and a little breeze. That’s why they usually happen in deserts or open fields. Seeing one in Houston, where the air is usually humid, isn’t very common.

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Unexpected Dust Devil Spins Up in Houston Texas

So, what made this dust devil show up? Meteorologists say that a stretch of warm weather, some sunbaked gravel, and just the right gust of wind created the perfect conditions. Once the air started spinning, the dust and dirt on the ground got caught in the swirl, making it visible. The whole thing lasted only a few seconds before it faded away.

Even though dust devils can look intense, they’re usually harmless. Unlike tornadoes, they don’t destroy buildings or throw cars around. But it's still really cool if you ever get to witness one.