A dust storm engulfs Peterborough which in 1914 was still known as Petersburg. This came during the drought of 1914-15. Although a short drought by comparison with the Federation drought of 1895-1902, or the El Nino event of 1991-95, the 1914-15 drought was particularly notable for the failure of the national wheat crop, both in eastern and western Australia.

During droughts the risk of dust-storms increases: as the vegetation dies and desiccates there is little to hold the soil in place. Wind lifts the soil and great walls of soil laden air advance across the land, eventually dropping the precious top soil where it is not wanted, or at sea. The valuable and irreplaceable topsoil is stripped and lost.