There are also dust storms and sandstorms. Hence, the icy sandstorms and snowstorms of spring and early summer plus early January (winter). Sandstorms occur with much less frequency than dust storms. Yemen is subject to sandstorms and dust storms, resulting in soil erosion and crop damage. The crew endured dehydration, sandstorms, and snakes during work in the Sahara desert. Khuzestan has desert conditions and experiences many sandstorms. The shamal, a northwesterly wind common during June and July, causes dramatic sandstorms. It is also prone to heavy winds as well as sandstorms from February to April. Confronted with sandstorms and other desert elements, Cable bargains with God. Another challenging element was the shamal which often creates sandstorms. Night, dust, weather, smoke or sandstorms all reduce the line of sight. Ancient writers mention sandstorms and serpents in this area. Sandstorms, common during February and May, damage vegetation and prevent grazing. Spring is especially prone to sandstorms blowing in from the northwest. They may appear in mists or sandstorms.