Giant ‘red wave’ dust storm pounds Australia

January 12, 2013 – AUSTRALIA – ‘Eerie and amazing’ images of a dust storm in Western Australia have been posted online. As southern Australia ‘sizzles’ in an extreme heat-wave, the ‘meteorological phenomenon’ rolled over Western Australia. Buzzfeed posted incredible images of a ‘meteorological phenomenon’ which showed a huge dust storm off the coast of Western Australia. As it moved over the water it looked like a tangible substance, dense and unyielding.  The photos were taken by various Australians and are posted on Facebook at Perth Weather Live. The images have received media attention and various comments. Most of the photos were uploaded from mobile or cell phones. In one photo, the Macedon Gas project site looks like the aftermath of a disaster. One comment on this image read, ‘makes nice picture but not good for the air con.’  The dust storm off the coast of Onslow, Western Australia, is predicted to be followed by tropical cyclone Narelle, according to the Australian. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology said the dust storm was not directly linked to Tropical Cyclone Narelle. Narelle is currently hundreds of kilometers off shore. The dust storm met with strong winds and rain as it passed over Onslow, resulting in it ‘dumping sand and dust’ it had picked up. Winds with a speed of 102kph were recorded. Category-three cyclone Narelle continues to track its way to Australia and wind speeds at its centre are estimated to be 250km/h. Western Australia is known for its gas production and precautionary measures are being taken. Flights are on stand-by to evacuate workers, if necessary. –Digital Journal

contribution Emanni