Dust storm engulfs southern Qld

A SEVERE dust storm that shrouded Sydney and swept across New South Wales is firmly spreading across Queensland, heading from the west through to coastal regions.

The Bureau of Meteorology says the dust haze was caused by a vigorous dry change coming across the state.

Traffic has slowed on major routes across Brisbane, Ipswich and the Gold Coast.

Ipswich councillor Paul Tully described it as the worst dust storm in a decade.

Drivers in central Brisbane are driving with lights on as the atmosphere in the city turns orange.

Horse racing at Eagle Farm has been abandoned over fears for the safety of jockeys in the poor visibility.

Airport management expected a call from air traffic control on Wednesday afternoon that will close the airport when the dust thickens.

The blanket of red dust shrouded most of Sydney after the weather system moved in from central Australia and western NSW.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning for damaging winds in Sydney with a gale warning issued for Sydney closed waters.

"Strong to gale force west to northwest winds, gradually easing late afternoon and evening," the Bureau says.

"Raised dust likely," it says.

A Sydney Airport spokesman said a combination of strong cross winds and low visibility would lead to flight delays throughout the day.

"We're operating in low visibility conditions due to strong winds and dust haze," he said.

"Departure and arrivals delays will be experienced at both Sydney and domestic and international airports.

"There have been four or five diversions of international flights to Brisbane Airport already."

Motorists are urged to exercise caution on the road with dangerous driving conditions, heavy traffic and low visibility expected.

The Roads and Traffic Authority says city bound lanes of the M5 tunnel are closed and motorists should use King Georges Road.

Sydneysiders with allergies and respiratory problems are being asked to stay inside.

The State Emergency Services says it has received 175 requests for assistance across the state.

Hail stones reportedly as big as cricket balls hit the town of Crookwell near Goulburn, damaging windows and tiles but there are few reports of damage in Sydney.

Bureau of Meteorology spokeswoman Jane Golding said dust had settled on much of the state and visibility was poor.

"It's pretty widespread," she told ABC Radio.

Got photos of the dust storm? Email us your photos.

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View photos of the dust storm over Brisbane on brisbanetimes.com.au

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