Harry's grandfather is specifically describing the Dust Bowl, a period of severe dust storms and drought that occurred in the United States during the 1930s. The Dust Bowl primarily affected the Great Plains region, including states such as Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico. The combination of poor land management practices, drought conditions, and economic factors led to the erosion of topsoil and the creation of massive dust storms, causing significant damage to agriculture and livelihoods.
During this time, the lack of rainfall and the continuous blowing of dust for extended periods made it extremely challenging for farmers to grow crops and sustain their livelihoods. The dust storms were so severe that they often blocked out the sun and created immense clouds of dust that engulfed entire towns and communities. The resulting economic hardship and environmental devastation forced many people to abandon their homes, farms, and communities in search of better opportunities elsewhere. This mass migration led to significant population shifts and had long-lasting effects on the affected regions.