It was a disappointing end to a difficult 2018 in drought-stricken Dubbo, after the regional city's New Year's Eve fireworks display was cancelled due to a dust storm.
Dry soil on properties in the central west was whipped up by strong winds during the afternoon, and the wall of dust made its way to the NSW regional centre about 6.30pm.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) also issued a severe weather warning for the area.
ABC Western Plains breakfast presenter Jen Browning said she was at a friend's property when they saw the dust clouds roll in.
"As we drove back to the homestead the dust clouds started to catch up and by the time we got home we literally had two minutes to bring the dog inside before it hit," she said.
"It was like a scene from the Wizard of Oz.
"The pictures are spectacular but it still breaks your heart knowing that's someone's top soil off their farms blowing away."
The fireworks were due to be held at 9pm, but were cancelled.
A post on the event's Facebook page read: "Really sorry, we put our order for good weather ... but seriously, we need to put safety first."
The dust storm made for a spectacular sight in the central west as it barrelled through a several towns.
Photos shared from residents from Trangie and Narromine, west of Dubbo, showed the wall of sand encroaching their properties and leaving a thin layer of dust over their patio and outdoor furniture.
