Ten years ago this week residents across New South Wales woke to a huge dust storm that settled over much of the state, turned the sky red and left an eerie glow over entire cities.
Gale-force winds of up to 100km/h swept the dust east and on September 23, 2009 visibility dropped so low the Bureau of Meteorology issued a Severe Weather Warning for Sydney and parts of NSW.
The dust stretched from Canberra, through Wollongong to Sydney and as high up the state as Moree.
Emergency services personnel received hundreds of calls for help from people suffering breathing difficulties.
The dust cloud was also so large that it was visible from space and was dubbed the worst NSW had experienced in seven decades.
A decade on from that eerie day, images of landmarks affected by the storm still highlight how thick the cloak of dust was across NSW.
In the heart of Sydney, the Harbour Bridge became almost invisible when the dust settled over the iconic attraction.
Meanwhile over at Luna Park, Sydney's historic theme park was left discoloured after a yellow glow descended on the famous laughing face entry gate.
Across Circular Quay the dust didn't let up despite the heavy winds.
The Sydney Opera House was also covered in the thick storm and the Sydney Harbour Bridge was indistinguishable from the forecourt.
Further south, Maroubra Beach was turned from its usually sunny self into a blanket of red – although that didn't stop local residents from exercising.
The storm did, however, block out the normally visible shoreline and headland at the end of the beach – causing a safety concern for swimmers.
In Wollongong, the city's picturesque skyline and lighthouse were also affected by the dust.
The apartments, pine trees and moored boats along the coastline south of Sydney were left tinted in a muggy, yellow haze.
