AL ASAD, Iraq -- A dust storm similar to special effects on the big screen bellowed across the western desert of Iraq on April 26. The storm was spawned near the border of Syria and Jordan. Forward Operating Base Korean Village experienced tornadoes around 2 p.m. The storm moved in a northeasterly direction until it reached Al Asad, around 6:45. Weather forecasters here described the storm as a downburst. "A downburst is a strong downdraft resulting in an outward burst of damaging winds at ground level," said Gunnery Sgt. John B. Badeaux, weather forecaster for the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward). "Downburst winds can produce damage similar to a strong tornado," he added. The ensuing storm increased energy as the winds pushed over the desert, which created a wall of dirt. According to weather officials a dust storm this strong is extremely rare for this region of Iraq.Badeaux said these types of conditions make forecasting difficult in a desert environment. "There are absolutely no indicators that allow forecasters to confidently predict the timing and intensity of a storm like this."According to forecasters, thunderstorms were observed on satellite 30 to 40 miles from Al Asad. However, no thunderstorms or tornadoes were recorded on the air base.As the storm moved closer the sky changed to a shade of orange until total darkness blanketed the ground. The storm passed over in about 45 minutes, leaving a heavy sheet of dust in its wake. Forecaster say the wall of dust may have reached 4,000 to 5,000 feet. Editors Note: This dust storm was a spectacular sight and may look worse than it actually was. No one was injured and no equipment was damaged here.