A sudden sandstorm hit Hurghada and Safaga in Egypt, bringing with it strong winds, poor visibility, and problems for holidaymakers. Resorts and hotels were covered in sand, and tourists were warned to be careful and take necessary safety measures, as further deterioration of the weather awaits them.
Strong winds, carrying with them clouds of dust and sand from the Western Sahara, have caused concern for the authorities, reported the Egyptian newspaper Al Masry Al Youm. The head of Safaga, Yasir Shaaban, urged all travelers entering and leaving the city to exercise caution on the roads due to low visibility and gusty air currents. The official also explained that the updated weather maps indicate a “deserted air depression” approaching the resorts directly from the Western Sahara, and with it, active southwesterly air masses.
It should be remembered that Egyptian storms cause a strong vortex movement of sand particles in the air, which leads to reduced visibility and creates inconvenience for people and transport. In this, the rising air of sand and dust is dangerous, as it can develop into a powerful storm that carries everything in its path and reduces horizontal visibility in various areas, including the popular Red Sea province, where Hurghada and Safaga are located, as well as Sohag and Kenu.
According to the expectations of Egyptian forecasters, the wind speed will reach 65 km/h in the coming days, so it is better not to plan walks and excursions at this time, so as not to stand in the way of a sandstorm. It is better to wait until it ends, when the sand settles on the surface, including roads, houses, and cars.
Local authorities have also warned about the possible expansion of the zone of influence of sand to open areas and roads in the desert. The crisis department advised travelers not to spend time under metal plates, trees, and lamp posts and to be careful when traveling on highways and desert roads.
Tourists are asked not to flirt with fate and not to chase spectacular shots, but to remember the unpredictability of such weather, and to follow the instructions of local authorities and meteorological services to ensure the safety of their lives and the preservation of their property.