Wild winds pick up dust across parched NSW
EXTREMELY dry and windy conditions due this afternoon across western NSW is likely to pick up dust and make its way towards Sydney this evening. Those with respiratory conditions are advised to stay indoors.
NSW
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EXTREMELY dry and windy conditions due this afternoon across western NSW could pick up dust and make its way towards Sydney this evening, creating a dust storm not seen since 2009 that was likened to ‘armageddon’.
Sydney Bureau of Metrology forecaster Gabrielle Woodhouse says there is a front hovering over South Australia that is slowly making its way towards NSW.
“Today the front over South Australia is moving east, and with that we will see winds from the north and northwest during the day.”
Heavy winds across drought-ravaged western NSW is likely to pick up dust — and loads of it.
“Due to really dry and windy conditions due this afternoon in western NSW, we could see dust getting picked up this afternoon, ahead of the front — particularly through the far western parts of the state,” says Woodhouse.
During September 2009, a dust storm in Australia tinted Sydney and Brisbane an intense red-orange color. The dust plume measured more than 310 miles in width and 620 miles in length, making it so large that the cloud was visible from space. pic.twitter.com/QmfFTlnJa5
— SERIOUSLY STRANGE (@SeriousStrange) May 4, 2018
The potential dust storm could make its way towards Sydney and the coast this evening. NSW BOM are currently monitoring the conditions.
For those with respiratory problems, the Department of NSW Health advises to stay indoors.
A spokesperson for NSW Health says, “Fine dust particles can irritate lungs, so it’s wise for people in the affected areas in western NSW to stay indoors or reschedule or cut back on prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities during dust storms.
“People with chronic heart and lung conditions who develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, should follow their Asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Action Plan.
“If symptoms do not settle, seek medical advice. In case of emergency always remember to dial triple zero.”
The last Sydney dust storm was in 2009 and blanketed the city in a red haze, reducing visibility to 500 metres.
It was the worst dust storm Sydney had seen in 70 years with Sydneysiders awaking to scenes likened to ‘armageddon’.
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