Langit Merah Di Sydney

by **Admin** Fri Sep 25, 2009 12:19 am

Sydneysiders have woken to a massive dust storm that blanketed the
cityin thick red dust, causing severe delays at Sydney airport
andprompting warnings from health authorities.

Severe winds are lashing the city, whipping up a bright orange hazeover
much of the state and forcing asthma sufferers and peoplesuffering
respiratory illnesses indoors.
Paramedics have reported a spike in calls for people sufferingbreathing
difficulties and traffic authorities have warned motorists totake care
after police reported "high risk" behaviour on Sydney roads.
A blanket of red dust began to shroud Sydney just before dawn aftera cold front moved in from central Australia and western NSW.
It came as the state was experiencing unseasonably warm temperaturesand
followed reports of visibility reduced to just 10 metres in BrokenHill.

Flights delayed
A Sydney airport spokesman said 10 inbound international Sydneyflights had been diverted to Melbourne and Brisbane this morning.
"They may get back later in the day," he told Macquarie Radio. "We've got departures, they are occurring, but it's slow."
Departing domestic flights were delayed by between 30 and 60 minutes, he said.
"People should check with their airline, they're going to need to be patient today."
Two international flights and one domestic flight had managed to land on Wednesday morning.
A combination of strong cross winds and low visibility would lead to flight delays throughout the day.
"Departure and arrivals delays will be experienced at both Sydney's domestic and international airports," the spokesman said.
"It's going to depend on how the visibility and the wind goes today."

Warnings for people with asthma
The NSW Ambulance Service issued a warning to people suffering
fromasthma or other respiratory illnesses to stay inside where possible
andcarry all medication.
"We have already seen an increase in calls to people suffering
fromasthma and other respiratory problems," the Ambulance Service said
in astatement.
"People with asthma in particular need to be aware of early
warningsigns especially if their condition does not respond to their
usualmedication.
"If your asthma does not respond quickly to your normal medication call 000 to get help immediately."
Police have urged motorists to slow down and put their lights on due to the extreme dust levels.
"Police are especially concerned that drivers are continuing to travel at dangerous speeds," a NSW police statement said.
South West Region Traffic Coordinator Senior Sergeant John Kane saidhe
was concerned that drivers seemed oblivious to the reducedvisibility
caused by the dust.
"Drivers are continuing to drive at speeds which are high-risk in these conditions," he said.

Ferry rides cancelled
Sydney Ferries has cancelled services on the harbour and express buses are running between Manly and the city.
Ferries Sydney's normally bustling Circular Quay was eerily quietthis
morning, except for dozens of amateur photographers tyring torecord the
rare event.
Audio beacons could also be heard ringing out across the harbour ina
bid to prevent any maritime accidents in the poor visibility.

High fire danger
The dust is expected to settle in the afternoon as the winds ease,with
a forecast maximum temperature of 22 degrees and a high firedanger.
The State Emergency Service says it has received 175 requests for assistance across the state following reports of strong winds.

Hails stones 'as big as cricket balls'
Hail stones as big as cricket balls hit the town of Crookwell
nearGoulburn, damaging windows and tiles, but there have been few
reportsof damage in Sydney.
Bureau of Meteorology spokeswoman Jane Golding said dust had settledon
much of the state and visibility was poor. "It's pretty widespread,"she
told ABC Radio.
"We've had reports of low visibility up out as far up as Moree,Dubbo,
Canberra's got some raised dust in the area and Wollongong, soit's very
widespread."
Ms Golding said the weather system was moving in from the west
andSydney could expect dusty conditions throughout the morning.
Thebarometric pressure had dropped significantly, she said.

source: World News Australia

p/s: tanda kiamat kan??