From the Weather Channel, of all places...
A howling desert sandstorm cast a yellow pall over the city and distant explosions could be heard more and more frequently Tuesday as Baghdad braced for the onslaught of coalition forces closing in on the capital. More security and police officers were seen around the city, and residents said members of Saddam Hussein's feared intelligence agencies were also posted on the streets. More and bigger trenches were being dug around Baghdad, including in the courtyard of the Iraq museum, home to priceless antiquities, some dating to 7,000 B.C. Witnesses said the intelligence headquarters was hit again in a Monday raid. The sprawling defense complex was also hit, with a large building severely damaged. The intermittent sound of distant explosions was heard throughout the city for much of the day. By early afternoon, a sandstorm was in full swing over the city, dramatically reducing visibility. Strong winds howled across the city, adding to the discomfort of residents. Iraq often sees sandstorms in the spring, but Tuesday's storm was exceptional, bringing dust and sand from as far away as Egypt and Libya, AccuWeather meteorologst John Gresiak said. He said lighter winds were forecast Wednesday and then no major sandstorms for at least several days.
Sandstorms are brutal, but you can't do much in them. Maybe the troops can get a bit of a rest. They gotta be exhausted. |