This is the dramatic moment a dust storm engulfed homes in Tulare County, California.

The avalanche-like cloud caused carnage as it swept through the state's Central Valley on Monday, November 11.

Shaken resident Amy Noelle said: 'I placed my car outside in anticipation of rain, but quickly realised the weather had other plans. I should have checked the weather.'

Officials said the storm caused a multi-vehicle pileup on California 99 and power outages affecting more than 15,000 residents in Fresno County.

Meteorologist Emily Wilson from the National Weather Service in Hanford said that a lack of rain in recent months caused the conditions for the dust storm, also known as a haboob.

The conditions were then followed a low-pressure system that brought gusts of up to 50 mph.