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Thunderstorm winds also cause widespread damage and occasional fatalities. Thunderstorm "straight-line" winds originate from rain-cooled air that descends with accompanying precipitation. This central Texas windstorm, approaching from the west, was packing 80 MPH winds behind the spectacular appearing gust front. The same thunderstorm earlier produced several small tornadoes, grapefruit size hail, and flash flood rainfall. (Looking west from about 5 miles.) Photograph by: Moller After the thunderstorm gust front passes and before precipitation, if any, arrives, blowing dust often is kicked up by thunderstorm induced winds. The amount of dust depends on soil type, soil moisture content, and wind intensity.
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