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In 2009, a dust storm swept across the [[Eastern states of Australia|eastern states]] of [[Australia]] from 22 to 24 September. The capital, [[Canberra]], experienced the [[dust storm]] on 22 September,<ref>{{cite web|author=Penny McLintock |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/photos/2009/09/22/2693220.htm|title=Canberra disappears in the dust|date=2009-09-22|accessdate=2009-09-23|publisher=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]}}</ref><ref name="Dust, hail and deluge">{{cite web|author=Megan Doherty|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/dust-hail-and-deluge/1630629.aspx|title=Dust, hail and deluge|date=2009-09-23|accessdate=2009-09-23|publisher=''[[The Canberra Times]]''}}</ref> and on 23 September the storm reached [[Sydney]] and [[Brisbane]].
In 2009, a dust storm swept across the [[Eastern states of Australia|eastern states]] of [[Australia]] from 22 to 24 September. The capital, [[Canberra]], experienced the [[dust storm]] on 22 September,<ref>{{cite web|author=Penny McLintock |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/photos/2009/09/22/2693220.htm|title=Canberra disappears in the dust|date=2009-09-22|accessdate=2009-09-23|publisher=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5k5bE16RG|archivedate=2009-09-26|deadurl=no}}</ref><ref name="Dust, hail and deluge">{{cite web|author=Megan Doherty|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/dust-hail-and-deluge/1630629.aspx|title=Dust, hail and deluge|date=2009-09-23|accessdate=2009-09-23|publisher=''[[The Canberra Times]]''|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5k5bEP9jD|archivedate=2009-09-26|deadurl=no}}</ref> and on 23 September the storm reached [[Sydney]] and [[Brisbane]].


On 23 September, the dust plume measured more than {{convert|500|km}} in width and {{convert|1000|km}} in length and covered dozens of towns and cities in two states.<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/6222210/Largest-dust-storms-in-70-years-cover-Sydney.html Largest dust storms in 70 years cover Sydney] ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]''</ref> By 24 September, analysis using [[MODIS]] at [[NASA]] measured the distance from the northern edge (at Cape York) and southern edge of the plume to be 3,450 km.<ref name="Dust over Eastern Australia">{{cite web| url = http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/view.php?id=40302 | title = Dust over Eastern Australia | date = 2009-09-25 | accessdate=2009-09-25 | publisher = NASA - Earth Observatory}}</ref> [[Particulate|Air particle]] concentration levels reached 15,400 micrograms per cubic metre of air (by comparison, normal days register up to 20 micrograms and bushfires generate 500 micrograms). This broke the record in many towns and cities.<ref name = "Are the dust storms radioactive">{{cite news | title = Are the dust storms radioactive? | newspaper = news.com.au | publisher = News Limited | date = 2009-09-25 | url = http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,26127235-421,00.html | accessdate = 2009-09-26}}</ref> CSIRO estimated that, in total, the storm carried some 16 million tonnes of dust from the desert.<ref name = "16 Megaton">{{cite news | title = 16 megaton D-bomb | newspaper = The Gold Coast Bulletin | publisher = News Limited | date = 2009-09-24 | url = http://www.goldcoast.com.au | work = Red Alert | pages = 1 to 5}}</ref> Furthermore, during the peak of the storm, the Australian continent was estimated to be losing 75,000 tonnes of dust per hour off the NSW coast north of Sydney.<ref>Leys, J., Heidenreich, S. and Case, M. 2009. DustWatch interim report 22-23rd September. DustWatch is funded by the Lower Murray Darling, Lachlan, and Murray CMAs, the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW and Griffith University.</ref> The dust storm coincided with other extreme weather conditions which affected the cities of [[Adelaide]] and [[Melbourne]].
On 23 September, the dust plume measured more than {{convert|500|km}} in width and {{convert|1000|km}} in length and covered dozens of towns and cities in two states.<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/6222210/Largest-dust-storms-in-70-years-cover-Sydney.html Largest dust storms in 70 years cover Sydney] ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]''</ref> By 24 September, analysis using [[MODIS]] at [[NASA]] measured the distance from the northern edge (at Cape York) and southern edge of the plume to be 3,450 km.<ref name="Dust over Eastern Australia">{{cite web| url = http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/view.php?id=40302 | title = Dust over Eastern Australia | date = 2009-09-25 | accessdate=2009-09-25 | publisher = NASA - Earth Observatory}}</ref> [[Particulate|Air particle]] concentration levels reached 15,400 micrograms per cubic metre of air (by comparison, normal days register up to 20 micrograms and bushfires generate 500 micrograms). This broke the record in many towns and cities.<ref name = "Are the dust storms radioactive">{{cite news | title = Are the dust storms radioactive? | newspaper = news.com.au | publisher = News Limited | date = 2009-09-25 | url = http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,26127235-421,00.html | accessdate = 2009-09-26}}</ref> CSIRO estimated that, in total, the storm carried some 16 million tonnes of dust from the desert.<ref name = "16 Megaton">{{cite news | title = 16 megaton D-bomb | newspaper = The Gold Coast Bulletin | publisher = News Limited | date = 2009-09-24 | url = http://www.goldcoast.com.au | work = Red Alert | pages = 1 to 5}}</ref> Furthermore, during the peak of the storm, the Australian continent was estimated to be losing 75,000 tonnes of dust per hour off the NSW coast north of Sydney.<ref>Leys, J., Heidenreich, S. and Case, M. 2009. DustWatch interim report 22-23rd September. DustWatch is funded by the Lower Murray Darling, Lachlan, and Murray CMAs, the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW and Griffith University.</ref> The dust storm coincided with other extreme weather conditions which affected the cities of [[Adelaide]] and [[Melbourne]].
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[[File:2009 Dust Storm - Australia and New Zealand Map.png|thumb|250px|Map of Australia and New Zealand showing the progress of the dust affected area and dust plume at various intervals]]
[[File:2009 Dust Storm - Australia and New Zealand Map.png|thumb|250px|Map of Australia and New Zealand showing the progress of the dust affected area and dust plume at various intervals]]


The dust is believed to have originated from [[Far West (New South Wales) | far-western New South Wales]] and north-east South Australia. This includes an area known as the 'Corner Country',<ref name = "Welcome to Coughs Harbour">{{cite news | title = Welcome to Coughs Harbour | newspaper = The Coffs Coast Advocate | location = Coffs Harbour, Queensland | publisher = APN News & Media Ltd | date = 2009-09-24 | url = http://www.coffscoastadvocate.com.au/story/2009/09/24/blame-it-on-the-drought/ | accessdate = 2009-09-25}}</ref> a dry, remote area of far-western New South Wales. In South Australia the dust may also have come from [[Lake Eyre Basin]] or the Woomera area, the latter raising concerns that it was radioactive and dangerous since the area contains the [[Olympic Dam, South Australia|Olympic Dam uranium mine]].<ref name = "Are the dust storms radioactive"/>
The dust is believed to have originated from [[Far West (New South Wales) | far-western New South Wales]] and north-east South Australia. This includes an area known as the 'Corner Country',<ref name = "Welcome to Coughs Harbour">{{cite news | title = Welcome to Coughs Harbour | newspaper = The Coffs Coast Advocate | location = Coffs Harbour, Queensland | publisher = APN News & Media Ltd | date = 2009-09-24 | url = http://www.coffscoastadvocate.com.au/story/2009/09/24/blame-it-on-the-drought/ | accessdate = 2009-09-25|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5k5tvfk7f|archivedate=2009-09-27|deadurl=no}}</ref> a dry, remote area of far-western New South Wales. In South Australia the dust may also have come from [[Lake Eyre Basin]] or the Woomera area, the latter raising concerns that it was radioactive and dangerous since the area contains the [[Olympic Dam, South Australia|Olympic Dam uranium mine]].<ref name = "Are the dust storms radioactive"/>


According to the New South Wales regional director of the Bureau of Meteorology, Barry Hanstrum, the cause was an "intense north low-pressure area" which "picked up a lot of dust from the very dry interior of the continent".<ref name="Australian Weather Event Brings Rain to New South Wales Crops"/> Senior forecaster Ewan Mitchel said winds from a [[cold front]] picked up dust from north-east South Australia on the 22 September.<ref name="ns"/> That night the winds strengthened to 100 km per hour and collected more dust from areas in New South Wales that were drought affected.<ref name="ns"/>
According to the New South Wales regional director of the Bureau of Meteorology, Barry Hanstrum, the cause was an "intense north low-pressure area" which "picked up a lot of dust from the very dry interior of the continent".<ref name="Australian Weather Event Brings Rain to New South Wales Crops"/> Senior forecaster Ewan Mitchel said winds from a [[cold front]] picked up dust from north-east South Australia on the 22 September.<ref name="ns"/> That night the winds strengthened to 100 km per hour and collected more dust from areas in New South Wales that were drought affected.<ref name="ns"/>
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It was reported that the dust set off smoke alarms across the state and prompted increased demand for emergency services. [[Asthma]] sufferers were hospitalised.<ref name=Bloomberg/> Rain was also reported to have resulted,<ref name="Australian Weather Event Brings Rain to New South Wales Crops">{{cite web|author=Madelene Pearson|url=http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601081&sid=ag7J7BMOyklk|title=Australian Weather Event Brings Rain to New South Wales Crops|date=2009-09-23|accessdate=2009-09-23|publisher=[[Bloomberg Television|Bloomberg]]}}</ref> with [[cricket ball]]-sized hailstones falling.<ref name=Guardian/>
It was reported that the dust set off smoke alarms across the state and prompted increased demand for emergency services. [[Asthma]] sufferers were hospitalised.<ref name=Bloomberg/> Rain was also reported to have resulted,<ref name="Australian Weather Event Brings Rain to New South Wales Crops">{{cite web|author=Madelene Pearson|url=http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601081&sid=ag7J7BMOyklk|title=Australian Weather Event Brings Rain to New South Wales Crops|date=2009-09-23|accessdate=2009-09-23|publisher=[[Bloomberg Television|Bloomberg]]}}</ref> with [[cricket ball]]-sized hailstones falling.<ref name=Guardian/>


The dust storm also reached the north coast of NSW on the morning of 23 September 2009. [[Coffs Harbour, New South Wales|Coffs Harbour]] was affected by 7 am. At Coffs Harbour Airport visibility was down to 500 metres by 9 am and the airport remained closed until 10:30am. Grafton and the [[Clarence Valley Council|Clarence Valley]] were affected by 8:30 am.<ref name = "Welcome to Coughs Harbour"/><ref>{{cite news | title = Dust storm hits Northern NSW | publisher = ABC Online | date = 2009-09-23 | url = http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2009/09/23/2694242.htm | accessdate = 2009-09-24}}</ref>
The dust storm also reached the north coast of NSW on the morning of 23 September 2009. [[Coffs Harbour, New South Wales|Coffs Harbour]] was affected by 7 am. At Coffs Harbour Airport visibility was down to 500 metres by 9 am and the airport remained closed until 10:30am. Grafton and the [[Clarence Valley Council|Clarence Valley]] were affected by 8:30 am.<ref name = "Welcome to Coughs Harbour"/><ref>{{cite news | title = Dust storm hits Northern NSW | publisher = ABC Online | date = 2009-09-23 | url = http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2009/09/23/2694242.htm | accessdate = 2009-09-24|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5k5bFLUgB|archivedate=2009-09-26|deadurl=no}}</ref>
It caused flight delays at Ballina airport and flight cancellations for most of the day at Lismore airport with visibility at 700 metres. A local school rugby union carnival was also called off.<ref name="ns">{{cite news | title = North Coast chokes in dust | newspaper = The Northern Star | location = Lismore, Queensland | publisher = APN News & Media Ltd | date = 2009-09-24 | url = http://www.northernstar.com.au/story/2009/09/24/north-coast-chokes-in-clouds-of-red-dust/ | accessdate = 2009-09-25}}</ref>
It caused flight delays at Ballina airport and flight cancellations for most of the day at Lismore airport with visibility at 700 metres. A local school rugby union carnival was also called off.<ref name="ns">{{cite news | title = North Coast chokes in dust | newspaper = The Northern Star | location = Lismore, Queensland | publisher = APN News & Media Ltd | date = 2009-09-24 | url = http://www.northernstar.com.au/story/2009/09/24/north-coast-chokes-in-clouds-of-red-dust/ | accessdate = 2009-09-25|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5k5txL16o|archivedate=2009-09-27|deadurl=no}}</ref>


=== Sydney ===
=== Sydney ===
[[File:Sydney Dust Storm 6am.JPG|thumb|250px|Suburban Sydney, 6:20 am, 23 September. At dawn with the sun low in the sky, the colour was deep red. By 8:00 am the colour was a less intense gold/brown hue.]]
[[File:Sydney Dust Storm 6am.JPG|thumb|250px|Suburban Sydney, 6:20 am, 23 September. At dawn with the sun low in the sky, the colour was deep red. By 8:00 am the colour was a less intense gold/brown hue.]]


The storm caused severe disruption to international flights—several early morning [[Air New Zealand]] flights from [[Auckland]], [[Christchurch]] and [[Wellington]] had to return to [[New Zealand]] after finding themselves unable to land at [[Sydney Airport]].<ref name="Air NZ flights turn back as Sydney morphs into Mars">{{cite web|url=http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/air-nz-flights-turn-back-sydney-morphs-mars-111557|title=Air NZ flights turn back as Sydney morphs into Mars|date=2009-09-23|accessdate=2009-09-23|publisher=''[[National Business Review]]''}}</ref> These flights were listed as cancelled and many others were rescheduled until later.<ref name="Flight delays remain as dust settles in Sydney">{{cite web|author=Michael Janda|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/09/23/2694051.htm?section=australia|title=Flight delays remain as dust settles in Sydney|date=2009-09-23|accessdate=2009-09-23|publisher=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]}}</ref> 18 international flights were diverted to [[Melbourne Airport]] or [[Brisbane Airport]], while six others were cancelled altogether.<ref name=Bloomberg/><ref name="Melbourne Airport warns of delays">{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/09/23/2693764.htm|title=Melbourne Airport warns of delays|date=2009-09-23|accessdate=2009-09-23|publisher=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]}}</ref> There were delays of six hours reported for overseas flights, whilst domestic flights experienced disruption of as much as three hours.<ref name=Bloomberg/> Roads were disrupted, including the [[M5 South Western Motorway|main tunnel of the M5 East Motorway]] which was shut down. Building sites were closed.<ref name=Guardian/> Ferry services were cancelled.<ref name="Red dust cloud covers Sydney">{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8270125.stm|title=Red dust cloud covers Sydney|date=2009-09-23|accessdate=2009-09-23|publisher=[[BBC]]}}</ref> [[Canterbury Park Racecourse]]'s scheduled day of horse racing was abandoned.<ref name="Giant dust storm blankets Sydney">{{cite web|author=Nichola Saminather and Rebecca Keenan|url=http://www.independent.ie/world-news/asia-pacific/giant-dust-storm-blankets-sydney-1893575.html|title=Giant dust storm blankets Sydney|date=2009-09-23|accessdate=2009-09-23|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref>
The storm caused severe disruption to international flights—several early morning [[Air New Zealand]] flights from [[Auckland]], [[Christchurch]] and [[Wellington]] had to return to [[New Zealand]] after finding themselves unable to land at [[Sydney Airport]].<ref name="Air NZ flights turn back as Sydney morphs into Mars">{{cite web|url=http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/air-nz-flights-turn-back-sydney-morphs-mars-111557|title=Air NZ flights turn back as Sydney morphs into Mars|date=2009-09-23|accessdate=2009-09-23|publisher=''[[National Business Review]]''}}</ref> These flights were listed as cancelled and many others were rescheduled until later.<ref name="Flight delays remain as dust settles in Sydney">{{cite web|author=Michael Janda|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/09/23/2694051.htm?section=australia|title=Flight delays remain as dust settles in Sydney|date=2009-09-23|accessdate=2009-09-23|publisher=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5k5bDbckg|archivedate=2009-09-26|deadurl=no}}</ref> 18 international flights were diverted to [[Melbourne Airport]] or [[Brisbane Airport]], while six others were cancelled altogether.<ref name=Bloomberg/><ref name="Melbourne Airport warns of delays">{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/09/23/2693764.htm|title=Melbourne Airport warns of delays|date=2009-09-23|accessdate=2009-09-23|publisher=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]}}</ref> There were delays of six hours reported for overseas flights, whilst domestic flights experienced disruption of as much as three hours.<ref name=Bloomberg/> Roads were disrupted, including the [[M5 South Western Motorway|main tunnel of the M5 East Motorway]] which was shut down. Building sites were closed.<ref name=Guardian/> Ferry services were cancelled.<ref name="Red dust cloud covers Sydney">{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8270125.stm|title=Red dust cloud covers Sydney|date=2009-09-23|accessdate=2009-09-23|publisher=[[BBC]]}}</ref> [[Canterbury Park Racecourse]]'s scheduled day of horse racing was abandoned.<ref name="Giant dust storm blankets Sydney">{{cite web|author=Nichola Saminather and Rebecca Keenan|url=http://www.independent.ie/world-news/asia-pacific/giant-dust-storm-blankets-sydney-1893575.html|title=Giant dust storm blankets Sydney|date=2009-09-23|accessdate=2009-09-23|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref>


Schools were disrupted as those children who attended were distracted by the dust storm, while many parents kept their children home. School trips and sports activities were cancelled for the day, and children were directed to stay inside during playtime in some schools.<ref name="Red dust storm: half-empty classrooms and missed excursions">{{cite web|author=Inga Ting|url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/red-dust-storm-halfempty-classrooms-and-missed-excursions-20090923-g2hx.html|title=Red dust storm: half-empty classrooms and missed excursions|date=2009-09-23|accessdate=2009-09-23|publisher=''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]''}}</ref> [[Surgical mask|Face mask]]s experienced surging sales in Sydney as concerned residents rushed to protect themselves against the dust, with at least one retailer indicating she had sold more than during the [[2009 flu pandemic|swine flu pandemic]].<ref name="Red dust: face masks flying off the shelves">{{cite web|author=Inga Ting|url=http://www.smh.com.au/environment/red-dust-face-masks-flying-off-the-shelves-20090923-g1jc.html|title=Red dust: face masks flying off the shelves|date=2009-09-23|accessdate=2009-09-23|publisher=''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]''}}</ref>
Schools were disrupted as those children who attended were distracted by the dust storm, while many parents kept their children home. School trips and sports activities were cancelled for the day, and children were directed to stay inside during playtime in some schools.<ref name="Red dust storm: half-empty classrooms and missed excursions">{{cite web|author=Inga Ting|url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/red-dust-storm-halfempty-classrooms-and-missed-excursions-20090923-g2hx.html|title=Red dust storm: half-empty classrooms and missed excursions|date=2009-09-23|accessdate=2009-09-23|publisher=''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]''}}</ref> [[Surgical mask|Face mask]]s experienced surging sales in Sydney as concerned residents rushed to protect themselves against the dust, with at least one retailer indicating she had sold more than during the [[2009 flu pandemic|swine flu pandemic]].<ref name="Red dust: face masks flying off the shelves">{{cite web|author=Inga Ting|url=http://www.smh.com.au/environment/red-dust-face-masks-flying-off-the-shelves-20090923-g1jc.html|title=Red dust: face masks flying off the shelves|date=2009-09-23|accessdate=2009-09-23|publisher=''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]''}}</ref>
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[[Brisbane]] was affected by the dust storm, although low visibility was less of a problem at [[Brisbane Airport]] than it was at Sydney.<ref name="Brisbane awakes from haze as dust settles">{{cite web|author=Conal Hanna|url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbane-awakes-from-haze-as-dust-settles-20090923-g0wm.html|title=Brisbane awakes from haze as dust settles|date=2009-09-23|accessdate=2009-09-23|publisher=''[[Brisbane Times]]''}}</ref>
[[Brisbane]] was affected by the dust storm, although low visibility was less of a problem at [[Brisbane Airport]] than it was at Sydney.<ref name="Brisbane awakes from haze as dust settles">{{cite web|author=Conal Hanna|url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbane-awakes-from-haze-as-dust-settles-20090923-g0wm.html|title=Brisbane awakes from haze as dust settles|date=2009-09-23|accessdate=2009-09-23|publisher=''[[Brisbane Times]]''}}</ref>


The [[Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast]] was also affected by the dust storm by 11.30&nbsp;am, reducing visibility to {{convert|500|m}}. Work stopped at construction sites due to health concerns, powerlines were down in some areas, the [[Q1 (building)|Q-deck]] was closed and traffic was slow with motorists using headlights. False fire alarms resulted in the evacuation of the [[Southport, Queensland|Southport]] Magistrates Court. Flights were able to depart but incoming flights were diverted.<ref name="Dust descends on Gold Coast">{{cite web|url=http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2009/09/23/140181_gold-coast-news.html|accessdate=2009-09-23|publisher=Gold Coast Bulletin|title=Dust descends on Gold Coast}}</ref>
The [[Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast]] was also affected by the dust storm by 11.30&nbsp;am, reducing visibility to {{convert|500|m}}. Work stopped at construction sites due to health concerns, powerlines were down in some areas, the [[Q1 (building)|Q-deck]] was closed and traffic was slow with motorists using headlights. False fire alarms resulted in the evacuation of the [[Southport, Queensland|Southport]] Magistrates Court. Flights were able to depart but incoming flights were diverted.<ref name="Dust descends on Gold Coast">{{cite web|url=http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2009/09/23/140181_gold-coast-news.html|accessdate=2009-09-23|publisher=Gold Coast Bulletin|title=Dust descends on Gold Coast|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5k5bGBEs2|archivedate=2009-09-26|deadurl=no}}</ref>
The beaches remained open with added 'no swimming' flags in unpatrolled areas. Two fishermen off the coast of [[South Stradbroke Island]] were lost and a helicopter was required to locate them.<ref name="Sydney breathes again as dust covers Brisbane">{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/09/23/2694487.htm|title=Sydney breathes again as dust covers Brisbane|date=2009-09-23|accessdate=2009-09-23|publisher=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/newshome/6092080|accessdate=2009-09-23|publisher=yahoo|title=Dust storm engulfs southern Qld}}</ref>
The beaches remained open with added 'no swimming' flags in unpatrolled areas. Two fishermen off the coast of [[South Stradbroke Island]] were lost and a helicopter was required to locate them.<ref name="Sydney breathes again as dust covers Brisbane">{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/09/23/2694487.htm|title=Sydney breathes again as dust covers Brisbane|date=2009-09-23|accessdate=2009-09-23|publisher=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/newshome/6092080|accessdate=2009-09-23|publisher=yahoo|title=Dust storm engulfs southern Qld}}</ref>


The dust storm reached Central and North Queensland by the evening of 23rd September 2009. However the effect was less serious, with visibility between 4,000 and 7,000 metres. Commercial flights were not disrupted. Affected areas include Blackwater, Rockhampton,<ref>{{cite news | title = Storm arrives dust in time for tea | newspaper = The Morning Bulletin | location = Rockhampton, Queensland | publisher = APN News & Media | date = 2009-09-24 | url = http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/story/2009/09/24/desert-storm-arrives-dust-in-time-for-tea/ | accessdate = 2009-09-25}}</ref> Mackay,<ref>{{cite news | title = Fire fear follows in dust's wake | newspaper = Daily Mercury | location = Mackay, Queensland | publisher = APN News & Media | date = 2009-09-25 | url = http://www.dailymercury.com.au/story/2009/09/25/fire-fear-follows-in-dusts-wake/ | accessdate = 2009-09-25}}</ref> Cairns and the [[Gulf of Carpentaria]] (Normanton and Kowanyama).<ref>{{cite news | title = Dust clouds Cairns | newspaper = The Cairns Post | location = Cairns, Queensland | publisher = News Limited | date = 2009-09-24 | url = http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2009/09/24/65851_local-news.html | accessdate = 2009-09-25}}</ref>
The dust storm reached Central and North Queensland by the evening of 23rd September 2009. However the effect was less serious, with visibility between 4,000 and 7,000 metres. Commercial flights were not disrupted. Affected areas include Blackwater, Rockhampton,<ref>{{cite news | title = Storm arrives dust in time for tea | newspaper = The Morning Bulletin | location = Rockhampton, Queensland | publisher = APN News & Media | date = 2009-09-24 | url = http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/story/2009/09/24/desert-storm-arrives-dust-in-time-for-tea/ | accessdate = 2009-09-25|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5k5u0VgXZ|archivedate=2009-09-27|deadurl=no}}</ref> Mackay,<ref>{{cite news | title = Fire fear follows in dust's wake | newspaper = Daily Mercury | location = Mackay, Queensland | publisher = APN News & Media | date = 2009-09-25 | url = http://www.dailymercury.com.au/story/2009/09/25/fire-fear-follows-in-dusts-wake/ | accessdate = 2009-09-25|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5k5u252A3|archivedate=2009-09-27|deadurl=no}}</ref> Cairns and the [[Gulf of Carpentaria]] (Normanton and Kowanyama).<ref>{{cite news | title = Dust clouds Cairns | newspaper = The Cairns Post | location = Cairns, Queensland | publisher = News Limited | date = 2009-09-24 | url = http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2009/09/24/65851_local-news.html | accessdate = 2009-09-25|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5k5bHMe1R|archivedate=2009-09-26|deadurl=no}}</ref>


== New Zealand ==
== New Zealand ==


Red dust from the storm reached [[New Zealand]] on the morning of 25 September 2009, behind a weather front that brought cold temperatures to the North Island. It was observed by satellite, atmospheric monitoring equipment (a beta attenuation monitor) at [[Auckland International Airport]] and by dust settling on the ground. Dust has settled across [[Auckland]] as well as in the [[Northland Region|Northland]], [[Waikato]], [[Bay of Plenty Region|Bay of Plenty]] and [[Taranaki]] districts of the North Island.<ref>{{cite news | title = Storm's red dust reaches NZ | newspaper = The New Zealand Herald | location = New Zealand | publisher = APN Holdings NZ Limited | date = 2009-09-25 | url = http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10599532 | accessdate = 2009-09-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Desert storm hits Taranaki | newspaper = Taranaki Daily News | location = Taranaki, New Zealand | publisher = Fairfax | date = 2009-09-25 | url =http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/2901968/Desert-storm-hits-Taranaki | accessdate = 2009-09-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Australian dust storm arrives in New Zealand | newspaper = news.com.au | location = Wellington, New Zealand | publisher = News Limited | date = 2009-09-25 | url =http://www.news.com.au/story/0,,26125380-401,00.html | accessdate = 2009-09-26}}</ref>
Red dust from the storm reached [[New Zealand]] on the morning of 25 September 2009, behind a weather front that brought cold temperatures to the North Island. It was observed by satellite, atmospheric monitoring equipment (a beta attenuation monitor) at [[Auckland International Airport]] and by dust settling on the ground. Dust has settled across [[Auckland]] as well as in the [[Northland Region|Northland]], [[Waikato]], [[Bay of Plenty Region|Bay of Plenty]] and [[Taranaki]] districts of the North Island.<ref>{{cite news | title = Storm's red dust reaches NZ | newspaper = The New Zealand Herald | location = New Zealand | publisher = APN Holdings NZ Limited | date = 2009-09-25 | url = http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10599532 | accessdate = 2009-09-25|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5k5tyjCdp|archivedate=2009-09-27|deadurl=no}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Desert storm hits Taranaki | newspaper = Taranaki Daily News | location = Taranaki, New Zealand | publisher = Fairfax | date = 2009-09-25 | url =http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/2901968/Desert-storm-hits-Taranaki | accessdate = 2009-09-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Australian dust storm arrives in New Zealand | newspaper = news.com.au | location = Wellington, New Zealand | publisher = News Limited | date = 2009-09-25 | url =http://www.news.com.au/story/0,,26125380-401,00.html | accessdate = 2009-09-26}}</ref>


== Second dust storm ==
== Second dust storm ==

Revision as of 17:35, 27 September 2009

2009 Austalian dust storm
MODIS Terra satellite image of the dust storm over eastern Australia taken on 23 September 2009
Formed22 September

In 2009, a dust storm swept across the eastern states of Australia from 22 to 24 September. The capital, Canberra, experienced the dust storm on 22 September,[1][2] and on 23 September the storm reached Sydney and Brisbane.

On 23 September, the dust plume measured more than 500 kilometres (310 mi) in width and 1,000 kilometres (620 mi) in length and covered dozens of towns and cities in two states.[3] By 24 September, analysis using MODIS at NASA measured the distance from the northern edge (at Cape York) and southern edge of the plume to be 3,450 km.[4] Air particle concentration levels reached 15,400 micrograms per cubic metre of air (by comparison, normal days register up to 20 micrograms and bushfires generate 500 micrograms). This broke the record in many towns and cities.[5] CSIRO estimated that, in total, the storm carried some 16 million tonnes of dust from the desert.[6] Furthermore, during the peak of the storm, the Australian continent was estimated to be losing 75,000 tonnes of dust per hour off the NSW coast north of Sydney.[7] The dust storm coincided with other extreme weather conditions which affected the cities of Adelaide and Melbourne.

While the cloud was visible from space, the intense colour and drop in temperature drew comparisons with nuclear winter, Armageddon, and the planet Mars.[8][9][10] The dust storm was described by the Bureau of Meteorology as a "pretty incredible event" that was the worst in the state of New South Wales in nearly 70 years.[8][9][11][12] The phenomenon was reported around the world. The Weather Channel's Richard Whitaker said: "This is unprecedented. We are seeing earth, wind and fire together".[13]

Cause

Map of Australia and New Zealand showing the progress of the dust affected area and dust plume at various intervals

The dust is believed to have originated from far-western New South Wales and north-east South Australia. This includes an area known as the 'Corner Country',[14] a dry, remote area of far-western New South Wales. In South Australia the dust may also have come from Lake Eyre Basin or the Woomera area, the latter raising concerns that it was radioactive and dangerous since the area contains the Olympic Dam uranium mine.[5]

According to the New South Wales regional director of the Bureau of Meteorology, Barry Hanstrum, the cause was an "intense north low-pressure area" which "picked up a lot of dust from the very dry interior of the continent".[15] Senior forecaster Ewan Mitchel said winds from a cold front picked up dust from north-east South Australia on the 22 September.[16] That night the winds strengthened to 100 km per hour and collected more dust from areas in New South Wales that were drought affected.[16]

New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory

The first city to be affected was Broken Hill, which was 'blacked out' at about 3:30 pm on 22 September 2009. At least one mine was shut down.[13] It was also witnessed in Cowra.[2]

The storm appeared over Canberra and the surrounding region by midday on 22 September 2009, before being washed away by overnight rain, the heaviest rainfall over Canberra in months.[2]

It was reported that the dust set off smoke alarms across the state and prompted increased demand for emergency services. Asthma sufferers were hospitalised.[8] Rain was also reported to have resulted,[15] with cricket ball-sized hailstones falling.[9]

The dust storm also reached the north coast of NSW on the morning of 23 September 2009. Coffs Harbour was affected by 7 am. At Coffs Harbour Airport visibility was down to 500 metres by 9 am and the airport remained closed until 10:30am. Grafton and the Clarence Valley were affected by 8:30 am.[14][17] It caused flight delays at Ballina airport and flight cancellations for most of the day at Lismore airport with visibility at 700 metres. A local school rugby union carnival was also called off.[16]

Sydney

Suburban Sydney, 6:20 am, 23 September. At dawn with the sun low in the sky, the colour was deep red. By 8:00 am the colour was a less intense gold/brown hue.

The storm caused severe disruption to international flights—several early morning Air New Zealand flights from Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington had to return to New Zealand after finding themselves unable to land at Sydney Airport.[18] These flights were listed as cancelled and many others were rescheduled until later.[19] 18 international flights were diverted to Melbourne Airport or Brisbane Airport, while six others were cancelled altogether.[8][11] There were delays of six hours reported for overseas flights, whilst domestic flights experienced disruption of as much as three hours.[8] Roads were disrupted, including the main tunnel of the M5 East Motorway which was shut down. Building sites were closed.[9] Ferry services were cancelled.[20] Canterbury Park Racecourse's scheduled day of horse racing was abandoned.[21]

Schools were disrupted as those children who attended were distracted by the dust storm, while many parents kept their children home. School trips and sports activities were cancelled for the day, and children were directed to stay inside during playtime in some schools.[22] Face masks experienced surging sales in Sydney as concerned residents rushed to protect themselves against the dust, with at least one retailer indicating she had sold more than during the swine flu pandemic.[23]

Queensland

Residents of Windorah in south-west Queensland reported low visibility on the morning of 22 September.[24] By 23 September visibility in Toowoomba and Ipswich in South East Queensland was reduced to 100 metres (330 ft).[25]

Brisbane was affected by the dust storm, although low visibility was less of a problem at Brisbane Airport than it was at Sydney.[26]

The Gold Coast was also affected by the dust storm by 11.30 am, reducing visibility to 500 metres (1,600 ft). Work stopped at construction sites due to health concerns, powerlines were down in some areas, the Q-deck was closed and traffic was slow with motorists using headlights. False fire alarms resulted in the evacuation of the Southport Magistrates Court. Flights were able to depart but incoming flights were diverted.[27] The beaches remained open with added 'no swimming' flags in unpatrolled areas. Two fishermen off the coast of South Stradbroke Island were lost and a helicopter was required to locate them.[28][29]

The dust storm reached Central and North Queensland by the evening of 23rd September 2009. However the effect was less serious, with visibility between 4,000 and 7,000 metres. Commercial flights were not disrupted. Affected areas include Blackwater, Rockhampton,[30] Mackay,[31] Cairns and the Gulf of Carpentaria (Normanton and Kowanyama).[32]

New Zealand

Red dust from the storm reached New Zealand on the morning of 25 September 2009, behind a weather front that brought cold temperatures to the North Island. It was observed by satellite, atmospheric monitoring equipment (a beta attenuation monitor) at Auckland International Airport and by dust settling on the ground. Dust has settled across Auckland as well as in the Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Taranaki districts of the North Island.[33][34][35]

Second dust storm

A second dust storm, originating in the same area but believed to be smaller, reached Broken Hill and Cobar by 10 pm on 25 September 2009.[36] This storm arrived in Sydney between 4 and 5 am on 26 September 2009, it pushed the EPA Air Quality Index into the 'Poor to Hazardous' range.[37] However this was not as intense and had cleared by mid morning. The storm reached Brisbane on the evening of 26 September 2009, with the haze expected to clear by 28 September 2009.[38]

See also

References

  1. ^ Penny McLintock (2009-09-22). "Canberra disappears in the dust". ABC News. Archived from the original on 2009-09-26. Retrieved 2009-09-23. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ a b c Megan Doherty (2009-09-23). "Dust, hail and deluge". The Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 2009-09-26. Retrieved 2009-09-23. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ Largest dust storms in 70 years cover Sydney The Daily Telegraph
  4. ^ "Dust over Eastern Australia". NASA - Earth Observatory. 2009-09-25. Retrieved 2009-09-25.
  5. ^ a b "Are the dust storms radioactive?". news.com.au. News Limited. 2009-09-25. Retrieved 2009-09-26.
  6. ^ "16 megaton D-bomb". The Gold Coast Bulletin. News Limited. 2009-09-24. pp. 1 to 5. {{cite news}}: More than one of |work= and |newspaper= specified (help)
  7. ^ Leys, J., Heidenreich, S. and Case, M. 2009. DustWatch interim report 22-23rd September. DustWatch is funded by the Lower Murray Darling, Lachlan, and Murray CMAs, the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW and Griffith University.
  8. ^ a b c d e Nichola Saminather and Ed Johnson (2009-09-23). "Sydney Hit by 'Nuclear Winter' as Dust Storm Envelops City". Bloomberg. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
  9. ^ a b c d Toni O'Loughlin (2009-09-23). "Australia engulfed by dust storms". The Guardian. Retrieved 2009-09-23. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  10. ^ Ian Woods (2009-09-23). "Giant Dust Storm Causes Havoc In Sydney". Sky News. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
  11. ^ a b "Melbourne Airport warns of delays". ABC News. 2009-09-23. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
  12. ^ "Sydney dust storm worst in 70 years, says weather bureau". The Australian. 2009-09-23. Retrieved 2009-09-23. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  13. ^ a b "Severe dust storm sweeps Australia". RTÉ. 2009-09-23. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
  14. ^ a b "Welcome to Coughs Harbour". The Coffs Coast Advocate. Coffs Harbour, Queensland: APN News & Media Ltd. 2009-09-24. Archived from the original on 2009-09-27. Retrieved 2009-09-25. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  15. ^ a b Madelene Pearson (2009-09-23). "Australian Weather Event Brings Rain to New South Wales Crops". Bloomberg. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
  16. ^ a b c "North Coast chokes in dust". The Northern Star. Lismore, Queensland: APN News & Media Ltd. 2009-09-24. Archived from the original on 2009-09-27. Retrieved 2009-09-25. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  17. ^ "Dust storm hits Northern NSW". ABC Online. 2009-09-23. Archived from the original on 2009-09-26. Retrieved 2009-09-24. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  18. ^ "Air NZ flights turn back as Sydney morphs into Mars". National Business Review. 2009-09-23. Retrieved 2009-09-23. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  19. ^ Michael Janda (2009-09-23). "Flight delays remain as dust settles in Sydney". ABC News. Archived from the original on 2009-09-26. Retrieved 2009-09-23. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  20. ^ "Red dust cloud covers Sydney". BBC. 2009-09-23. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
  21. ^ Nichola Saminather and Rebecca Keenan (2009-09-23). "Giant dust storm blankets Sydney". Irish Independent. Retrieved 2009-09-23. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  22. ^ Inga Ting (2009-09-23). "Red dust storm: half-empty classrooms and missed excursions". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2009-09-23. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  23. ^ Inga Ting (2009-09-23). "Red dust: face masks flying off the shelves". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2009-09-23. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  24. ^ Brian Williams, Peter Morley and Leanne Edmistone (24 September 2009). "Dust storm, worst in 70 years, expected to head north". Courier Mail. Queensland Newspapers. Retrieved 2009-09-24.
  25. ^ Arjun Ramachandran (23 September 2009). "Brisbane CBD dusted: Sydney storm heads north". theage.com.au. Fairfax Digital. Retrieved 2009-09-24.
  26. ^ Conal Hanna (2009-09-23). "Brisbane awakes from haze as dust settles". Brisbane Times. Retrieved 2009-09-23. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  27. ^ "Dust descends on Gold Coast". Gold Coast Bulletin. Archived from the original on 2009-09-26. Retrieved 2009-09-23. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  28. ^ "Sydney breathes again as dust covers Brisbane". ABC News. 2009-09-23. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
  29. ^ "Dust storm engulfs southern Qld". yahoo. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
  30. ^ "Storm arrives dust in time for tea". The Morning Bulletin. Rockhampton, Queensland: APN News & Media. 2009-09-24. Archived from the original on 2009-09-27. Retrieved 2009-09-25. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  31. ^ "Fire fear follows in dust's wake". Daily Mercury. Mackay, Queensland: APN News & Media. 2009-09-25. Archived from the original on 2009-09-27. Retrieved 2009-09-25. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  32. ^ "Dust clouds Cairns". The Cairns Post. Cairns, Queensland: News Limited. 2009-09-24. Archived from the original on 2009-09-26. Retrieved 2009-09-25. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  33. ^ "Storm's red dust reaches NZ". The New Zealand Herald. New Zealand: APN Holdings NZ Limited. 2009-09-25. Archived from the original on 2009-09-27. Retrieved 2009-09-25. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  34. ^ "Desert storm hits Taranaki". Taranaki Daily News. Taranaki, New Zealand: Fairfax. 2009-09-25. Retrieved 2009-09-25.
  35. ^ "Australian dust storm arrives in New Zealand". news.com.au. Wellington, New Zealand: News Limited. 2009-09-25. Retrieved 2009-09-26.
  36. ^ "Dust storm heading towards Sydney". news.com.au. Australia: News Limited. 2009-09-26. Retrieved 2009-09-26.
  37. ^ NSW DECC (2009-09-26). "Hourly Air quality index" (HTML). Air quality update. New South Wales Government - Department of Environment Climate Change and Water. Retrieved 2009-09-26.
  38. ^ "Second dust storm sweeps through Qld". au.news.yahoo.com. Australia: Yahoo!7. 2009-09-27. Retrieved 2009-09-27.

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