Dust storm envelops Sydney

Sydney has today experienced one of its worst dust storms on record, with thick dust sweeping in from the interior of the Australian continent ahead of a strong south-west wind change. The dust cloud is extensive and has affected parts of inland South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

The dust storm reached central Sydney at 11am, reducing visibility to a few kilometres. Pilots reported that the dust extended 2500 metres into the atmosphere. West of the ranges, the dust was so thick that visibility was down to 300 metres. Visibility will gradually improve behind the change.

Bureau of Meteorology records show that Sydney was also affected by dust storms in April 1994, September 1968, December 1957, and January 1942, when the most severe dust storm to hit the city reduced visibility at Sydney airport to 500 metres.

The strong south-west wind change that swept the dust into Sydney has produced gusts of more than 60 km/h. Gusts were stronger north of Sydney and reached more than 80 km/h on the Northern Tablelands. The strong winds, temperatures in the 30s and very low relative humidity have made the fire danger very high to extreme. The Bureau expects more very strong winds and high temperatures on Friday. There is no sign of rain in the areas now threatened by bushfires.

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Further information:
Julie Evans, tel: (02) 9296 1661
Kevin O’Loughlin, tel: (02) 9296 1505, mob 0418 101 602
(A satellite image of the dust storm is available)