click click click

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Dust Storm in Sydney

No matter how scary any weather catastrophe may be, I am always in awe of the power of nature. Since I was a kid, I've always loved watching a storm unfold before my very eyes. I remember sitting by the clearglass door of my parents' home, it had a view of the backyard. On days when classes were suspended, I'd sit there for hours and watch water and wind dance infront of me. Sometimes there'd be thunder and lightning to complete the ensemble.

Today, I had been a witness to another weather catastrophe, a dust storm that hovered over Sydney in red and orange hues. It was a sight to behold, but dangerous like those stormy weathers that we are used to seeing.

Sydney was in a panic when they woke up and saw red outside their windows. A lot of people muttered, "Is this the end of the world?" Funny because it was so surreal. Scary because at that moment it could be true.

I, myself, was shocked when I walked outside our room and saw a reddish and windy dawn. I thought there was a nasty bushfire in the mountains--too nasty that it was already outside our balcony--but it wasn't, there was no fire anywhere. I quickly called out to the Husband and said, "You have to see this." He jumped out of bed, looked outside the window, forgot about sleep and turned on the TV. It was a dust storm. The first one to happen in Sydney.

Have I got a choice, I would have stayed home and watch the dust storm while I sip coffee by our balcony. Watch it circle around Sydney's skies and see it fade away til the blue skies appear once again.

But then it wasn't so bad to be out and experience the dust storm that was. Here are some more photos from this morning's weather phenomenon.

At the Train Station by Chris Sanchez

Train Station by Ivy Sanchez

Sydney Orange Cityscape by John Fick (thanks John!)

Darling Harbour at 11am by Chris Sanchez

My Husband and I took photos while waiting for our train this morning. Chris brought our camera to work so he and his friend John (who's a professional photographer) can take photos.

Like any other storm, the dust storm came to an end as the day progressed. The skies finally cleared after lunch. It was still windy though but at least no more dust to irritate our eyes and respiratory system.

Today was supposed to be an ordinary day but due to the weather phenomenon, it turned out to be kinda awesome. But however awesome it may be, for the sake of everyone's health and safety, I sure hope something like this won't happen again.

Related Post: Red Dust Envelops Sydney