Dust storm to hit Ukraine: danger level I declared
18 March 22:19
Forecasters are warning of a powerful dust storm that will hit several regions of Ukraine in the coming hours. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to the Ukrhydrometcenter.
The dust storm will cover Kirovohrad, Odesa, Mykolaiv and Kherson regions.
“The air flow with dust particles is gradually moving southward toward the Black Sea. Kirovohrad, Odesa, Mykolaiv, and Kherson regions will be affected,” the statement said.
In this regard, the first level of danger (yellow) has been declared.
How the dust storm will affect the regions
According to meteorologists, the air flow with a large number of dust particles is moving south towards the Black Sea.
In these areas, visibility on the roads is expected to decrease, which may cause traffic difficulties.
Also, dust in the air can cause significant discomfort to people with respiratory diseases.
What caused the dust storm
The main reason for the phenomenon was the increase in north winds, whose speed reached 15 m/s. This led to the raising of the upper dry soil layer, the formation of dust vortices and their further movement in the atmosphere.
Recommendations for the public
Experts urge residents of the 4 regions to follow basic safety precautions:
- Avoid being outdoors whenever possible, especiallyfor people with chronic respiratory diseases.
- Close windows and doors indoors to prevent dust from entering.
- Use masks, respirators, or wet gauze bandages to protect your respiratory system.
- Increase your fluid intake and avoid physical activity if you are hypersensitive to polluted air (especially allergy sufferers and asthmatics).
- Drivers are advised to be especially careful on the roads due to possible reduced visibility.
When will the situation improve?
Wind speeds are expected to gradually decrease by the end of the day, and dust particles will settle down along with it.
However, in the near future, forecasters advised residents of Kirovohrad, Odesa, Mykolaiv and Kherson regions to take precautions.
