Police are managing traffic throughout the town due to increasingly poor visibility for drivers.
Real estate agent Katrina Wootton said that while such weather isn’t unusual for the region, it’s been some time since they experienced a dust storm.
“The Mallee dust is making its presence felt today,” she said.
“We’re used to this — just shut all the windows and brace ourselves.
“The sun looks like the moon — completely obscured by dust in the sky.”
Wootton, seen wearing sunglasses under the dusty sky, said she used them to protect her eyes.
Emergency services have advised residents to remain indoors, close all windows and doors, and set air conditioners to recirculate indoor air. They also recommend covering the nose and mouth with a mask or damp cloth.
“I’ve had my sunglasses on all day, even though it’s not sunny, just to keep the dust out of my eyes,” Wootton added.
“I thought the storm would pass us by… but it’s definitely getting worse.”
In Red Cliffs, locals are preparing for a major cleanup once the storm moves on.
Listeners of ABC Statewide Drive reported that visibility in Colignan had dropped to just 400 metres.
Meanwhile, in Red Cliffs, resident Sue Eason described the sky changing from red to black.
“We can usually see the vineyards clearly, but now only the first row is visible,” she said.
“My car, which is blue, now looks brown.
“We’ll have a lot to clean up outside once this is over.”
Dust storms have also impacted parts of South Australia as severe weather continues across the region.
