John McCarthy
SAN JUAN —A SEVERE Sahara dust event is expected across the region, beginning first in the U.S. Virgin Islands from late tonight through Sunday.
According to the climatology of Sahara dust events in the region, only 5% of events reach this level of severity.
Sahara dust events such as this one can make existing health conditions worse in persons who are immunocompromised, vulnerable and sensitive.
Stay informed and take precautions!
|Dust clouds are measured as aerosols in the atmosphere and can contain, but are not limited to minerals, organic matter, marine salts, viruses and bacteria.
Dust particles can make existing health conditions in immunocompromised, vulnerable and sensitive groups worse.
Physicians have observed an increase in the number of complications with their patients who suffer from respiratory conditions during Saharan dust events.
Prevention for Saharan dust events: have your medicines available, stay hydrated, use light clothing, avoid outside activities, use a face mask and eyeglasses.
Meanwhile, there continues to be a moderate risk of rip currents for most of our local beaches.
No tropical cyclone activity is expected to develop over the next seven days.
