Dust storms choke Sydney

Sydney has been blanketed with high levels of thick dust, affecting visibility, brought on by gale force winds.

Major roads are being shut due to the high levels of dust, including the Sydney Harbour Tunnel and the M5 East Motorway from Beverly Hills to Kyeemagh.

Ferries have been suspended due to visibility and flights have been diverted from Sydney Airport.

Northwesterly winds from the western side of New South Wales have carried the dust to the city, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

The dust is expected to dissipate later in the day.

Cars in the city are driving with their lights on this morning due to poor visibility.

Prolonged exposure to dust can result in asthma attacks, allergic reactions and other breathing-related problems, according to the NSW Department of Health.

People with respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema are urged to exercise caution.

Reports of raised dust are also coming in from Canberra, Newcastle and Tibooburra.
(source - ninemsn.com.au)

Well that is the news. I ventured outside a few minutes ago with my camera and these are the shots I got. Mind you my nose has been running and I have been coughing since I have come back inside, so I will resist going out again until it dissipates. I have never in my life seen anything quite like it. like a huge fog with an orange lens filter over the top of my eyes!