Dust devils typically do not cause injuries, but rare, severe dust devils have caused damage and even deaths in the past. ... On May 19, 2003, a dust devil lifted the roof off a two-story building in Lebanon, Maine, causing it to collapse and kill a man inside.

What happens if you go in a dust devil?

Dust devils don't form in thunderstorms, but they can be just as dangerous. Wind speeds reach 60 mph or stronger in the large dust devils, fast enough to throw projectiles and cause property damage.

How powerful can a dust devil get?

The biggest dust devils can climb as high as 3,000 feet though. Unlike tornadoes and landspouts, dust devils are not associated with thunderstorms. Most dust devils are not powerful enough to cause damage, but the strongest can produce winds over 60 mph - equivalent to the winds in a severe thunderstorm.