Huge sandstorm blankets central and northern China in dusty pollution

A combination picture shows the skyline of Beijing's central business area on a sunny day on December 22, 2016, and during a dust storm, right, on May 4, 2017. Jason Lee / Reuters

The Central Business District of Beijing is seen on May 4, 2017. A major dust storm engulfed northern China and Beijing on May 4, prompting authorities to cancel dozens of flights and urge children and the elderly to stay indoors. AFP

Buildings seen through the heavy sandstorm hitting Beijing. EPA

The Beijing and national meteorological authorities issued a blue alert on air pollution as a sand storm hit the region. EPA

A street cleaner wears a face mask as a dust storm hits Beijing, China on May 4, 2017. Thomas Peter / Reuters

BEIJING // A sandstorm blown by gusting winds enveloped a huge area of central and northern China on Thursday in thick pollution hazardous to people venturing outdoors.

The Beijing Meteorological Observatory advised people to minimise time spent outdoors and forecast that the murky conditions would linger into Friday morning.

Tens of millions of residents across eight provinces and autonomous regions and in municipal Beijing were told to use masks or scarves when outside to protect their eyes and lungs. The low visibility prompted warnings for drivers to slow down and for airports to take precautions.

Beijing’s air quality index topped 800 in some areas, on a scale ranking anything above 150 as unhealthy for the general population.

The sandstorms begin in areas such as Inner Mongolia where overgrazing and deforestation have increased desert areas. Strong winds pick up loose dust and dirt, mixing them with industrial pollution.

Grit from the storms can travel as far as the western United States.

* Associated Press