A freak sandstorm hit Ankara on Saturday, the Turkish capital's mayor said, as officials said six people were injured after strong winds.

A spectacular video shared by the mayor's office showed a large beige dust cloud enveloping buildings.

Another video posted on social media by the Turkish General Directorate of Meteorology showed massive dust clouds hanging above homes in the capital, and lightning.

Twitter users posted videos and pictures of the event.

New footage of #sandstorm in #Polatl, #Ankara, #Turkey pic.twitter.com/huVQf7kvBJ

— Global News (@GlbBreakNews) September 12, 2020

@NaziaSharif_

And this is what it looks like after the sand hit the city of Polatli (*about an hour from Ankara, part of the district of Ankara). pic.twitter.com/Hl4N8Z22WZ

— Louis Fishman (@Istanbultelaviv) September 12, 2020

Some said the scene was 'apocalyptic'.

#Sandstorm in #Ankara #Turkey today . 2020 is apocalyptic year . Scary times #staysafe #Turkey pic.twitter.com/xPntwbaiFA

— Silly Pie (@sammNoor) September 12, 2020

The directorate tweeted that the sandstorm and rains would continue until 1600 GMT in the capital, which since late last month has been going through a dry period and heatwave.

#TURQUÍA | 12.09.2020
Impresionante tormenta de arena en el distrito de Polatl de Ankara Comenzó el sábado temprano y ha ganado fuerza durante el día

El gobernador de Ankara Vasip ahin dijo: Esta es la primera vez que experimentamos algo así en Polatl Se reportó 6 heridos pic.twitter.com/1NY1BtgXX6

— RedClimáticaMundial (@Alerta_Noticias) September 12, 2020

It later issued a warning of strong winds and sandstorms for the neighbouring of province, Kirikkale, in central Turkey.

"Six citizens were lightly wounded by objects in the air after strong winds in Polatli and surrounding districts according to initial information," Ankara governor Vasip Sahin said on Twitter.

Another user said the storm looked like a 'horror movie'.

Sandstorm in Polatl district of Ankara .. never happened in this region before. We watch it like a horror movie pic.twitter.com/TpChbSKtDq

— p@stacosm@n (@pastaciosman_42) September 12, 2020

(With inputs from AFP)