AMMAN - Sandstorms on Tuesday caused several road accidents and stopped traffic movement on the Desert Highway, the Public Security Department (PSD) said yesterday.
Fifteen people were injured in four traffic accidents yesterday, blamed on strong winds that raised dust in the eastern and southern regions, PSD Spokesperson Major Mohammad Khatib said yesterday.
"Visibility on the Desert Highway was so poor in the afternoon, that our patrols had to block the road and caution motorists against venturing into the sandstorm," Khatib told The Jordan Times.
Those who didn't heed our warnings and insisted on continuing on their way were mainly involved in the accidents, the spokesman added.
Civil Defence Department personnel transported the injured to several public hospitals, where they were reported in fair condition.
Strong winds continued to raise dust in the southern and eastern regions until Tuesday evening, completely blocking visibility, according to Khatib.
Flights to and from Queen Alia International Airport were not affected by the sandstorms, and there were no diversions or changes in schedule, Royal Jordanian Media Office Director Basel Kilani said.
The strong winds are expected to ease off starting this afternoon, according to the Jordan Meteorological Department.
Meteorologist Hussein Momani told The Jordan Times that the sharp drop in temperatures - from a maximum of 34°C on Monday to 27°C yesterday in the capital - triggered off the windy weather.
He said today's temperatures will be lower than their annual average of 29°C by two degrees, but start rising as of tomorrow.
By Hana Namrouqa
© Jordan Times 2008
