Dust Storm Turns Sydney Red – 20 Photos

Sydney Sand Storm Gallery

International flights were diverted, ferries on the harbour were suspended, and motorists were warned to take care on roads as visibility was dramatically reduced after a massive dust storm swept across eastern Australia, shrouding Sydney in a dramatic red glow.

At one stage up to 75,000 tonnes of dust per hour was blown across Sydney and dumped in the Pacific Ocean.

Sydney residents told local radio that they woke to scenes from a Hollywood disaster movie, while many contacted emergency services fearing a major bush fire in the city.

However, the eerie scenes haven’t caused all activities to cease – the iconic Bondi beach still had its surfers and children continued to play on swings in the city’s parks.