DUST STORM COVERS QUEENSLAND STATE

An enormous dust storm blanketed much of Queensland state on 2 July 2009. Reports indicate that a deep cloud of loose topsoil has been swept into the Brisbane metropolitan area by strong westerly winds. Eyewitnesses stated that the haze caused by the dust storm has drastically reduced visibility. Although officials at Brisbane Airport stated that the dust has not affected flight operations, the storm could cause disruptions at smaller regional airfields