Air quality alert issued for ‘blowing dust and sand’ in SLO County
The San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District issued an alert about deteriorating air quality in the Oceano Dunes and Nipomo Mesa area on Monday, thanks to blowing dust and sand.
The alert followed a wind advisory on the Central Coast from the National Weather Service.
Blowing sand and dust was forecast to occur from 1 to 7 p.m., with the dust expected to peak from 2 to 6 p.m., the alert said.
Sensitive individuals such as infants, children and adults with existing respiratory or heart conditions may experience adverse health effects during blowing dust periods, the alert warned.
The Air Pollution Control District recommended that all adults and children avoid strenuous outdoor activity, remain indoors as much as possible and set any heating, air conditioning or ventilation systems to recirculation while dust and sand remains visible in the air.
The agency also recommended that “the public reschedule outdoor activities to occur when there is no visible dust.”
The agency advised people to consult their doctor if they are experiencing health problems in an area with blowing dust and sand.
NWS wind advisory already in effect
The dust alert came after the National Weather Service issued a wind advisory for most of the Central Coast starting at 11 a.m. on Monday.
According to the advisory, “gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects,” in Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties through nightfall.
Northwest winds from 15 to 25 mph with gusts of up to 40 mph were expected through 9 p.m., the advisory said.
“Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles,” the advisory warned. “Use extra caution.”
According to a Facebook post by the Weather Service, winds were expected to peak Monday afternoon and evening and remain gusty into Tuesday.
