Hunter Valley residents woke to a sepia toned world this morning as a large dust cloud whipped up by gale force winds from the state’s central and south west began to settle across the region.
Winds picked up from about 4am, pushing dust down the valley to Newcastle where visibility was down to about 200 metres. The port of Newcastle is closed and some flights have been disrupted at Newcastle airport.
Area Health and the Ambulance service are warning people with breathing and respiratory difficulties to stay indoors where possible.
Drivers are warned to put headlights on with the low visibility. In Newcastle, the city council has closed Laman Street due to concerns over the street’s historic figs. It’s a cautionary move after several of the trees dropped heavy limbs in previous high wind events.
Winds are expected to stregthen during the day, then ease this afternoon.
