Gold Coast skyline from Burleigh Heads GC
PHOTO: Cam Jackson / myGC.com.au

Dust cloud blankets Gold Coast

in by

GOLD Coasters woke on Saturday to their coastal city shrouded in dust, whipped up by wild winds out west.

The dirt – precious top soil from drought-stricken farms – was picked up by a vigorous trough as it surged through western Queensland on Friday night.

The raised dust made it all the way to the ocean and, combined with 27 degree heat along the Coast on Saturday, made it feel like a typical summer’s day.

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER THIS ADVERTISEMENT

The dusty haze is expected to hang around until at least Saturday night, when westerly winds are forecast to turn more southerly.

It is said to be the biggest dust storm event to reach the Gold Coast, including Brisbane, in near a decade.

The word ‘dust’ was trending on Twitter in Brisbane on Saturday afternoon.

Speaking to the ABC, Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Adam Woods said while the dust was a rare occurrence in the city, it wasn’t unusual in times of extreme drought.

Mr Woods said the dust was a clear indication of just how dry it is out west.

“It’s quite extensive and I believe it’s the first dust storm we’ve had in Brisbane for a number of years,” he said.

“It’s probably more typical to see these dust storm events when the conditions are very dry and there’s less plant material to bind that soil together.”

Queensland Health has urged people with respiratory issues such as asthma to stay indoors with their windows and doors closed, and medication close by.

You might also like
Three more people charged over Surfers Paradise stabbing murder
Hospital Woman in serious condition after car collided with bus, Gold Coast
QAS Emergency Response Vehicle responding Man suffers serious face, limb burns after gas bottle explosion, Gold Coast
Motorbike speed Motorcyclist in serious condition after horror M1 crash
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments