Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

File image of a dirty window. Shutterstock

Were your windows coated in dust after the storm? Two experts explain the phenomenon

Now that the dust is finally settling following Storm Éowyn – what is the dust?

IF YOU’RE CURRENTLY admiring a new coating of grime on your windows, or questioning the powder substance covering your car and windowsills, fear not – it’s an expected occurrence after storms like Éowyn.

Several concerned Irish people took to social media this afternoon to question the powder deposits left on various surfaces outside following Storm Éowyn, which brought high-speed winds and destruction to many parts of the country.

Coastal areas were hit particularly hard, with gusts reaching speeds of up to 183km/h.

These high-speed winds deposited a off-coloured powder, which has covered a number of outdoor surfaces.

The ‘powder’ is nothing to worry about – it’s a a simple concoction of salt, dust and dirt, experts say.

Peter Thorne, a professor of Physical Geography (Climate Science) at Maynooth University, said there’s no need for alarm regarding the ‘dusting’, explaining that a major storm (such as Éowyn) will usually cause this to happen.

“The dust and salt were picked up from the sea and local area by the strong winds, and were deposited by the winds onto a range of vertical surfaces, including windows,” Prof. Thorne said.

“The reason it is so visible on windows is simply down to the fact that windows are clear,” he added.

Thorne added that the record waves along the west coast caused by the stormy conditions meant that the wind “was able to pick up large amounts of fine matter and carry it as far as the midlands”.

Met Éireann explained that while it may not be the most common occurrence in Ireland, the public has had previous experience with the weather phenomenon before, following deposits of dust carried by strong winds from the Sahara Desert.

90335792_90335792 A car in Dublin covered in Sahara dust following strong winds over North Africa in 2014. Sasko Lazarov / Rolling News Sasko Lazarov / Rolling News / Rolling News

The national forecaster reiterated that the “dusting” was “nothing to panic about”.

“We would be more familiar with Saharan dust,” Met Éireann meteorologist Rebecca Cantwell explained.

“People might recognise the red coating that appears on our cars that we sometimes wake up to in the mornings, and that’s brought in by strong southerly wind from the Sahara, after dust and sand is brought up.

“In this case, westerly winds from Storm Éowyn picked up salt and dust deposits from coastal areas with tall waves, and pushed it all inland”.

For those still in doubt, take a page out of Carlow Weather’s book and give it a taste:

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

View 21 comments
Close
21 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel

     
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds