It's just that without the title I would not have been 100% sure that it was a sand storm because the top half is blown out. I fully agree with the idea of capturing the harshness as FanBoy has said but that can be still be achieved by reducing the highlights a little. Not enough to reduce the effect but enough to make the horizon slightly visible.
Anyway that's my opinion and it might vary from many other's.
BTW where were you during the storm? Most people or find cover but you just went straight for the camera unless you were already undercover...