Sandstorm is unwelcome in Columbia for a change
For once, a sandstorm is not welcome in Columbia.
South Carolina’s capital city, home of the USC Gamecocks, and the rest of the state are under an air quality alert Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.
Columbia is feeling the effects of the Saharan dust plume.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control declared an air quality action day, saying fine particulate concentrations could approach or exceed unhealthy standards.
The Saharan desert plume, also known as Saharan Air Layer, has traveled across the Atlantic Ocean, according to the National Weather Service. The large swath of Saharan dust is expected to create hazy skies and unhealthy breathing conditions. That can irritate the eyes and respiratory system, as well as aggravate or exacerbate chronic heart and lung diseases, the National Weather Service said.
Anyone with respiratory issues is told to limit time outside while keeping windows and doors shut to prevent dust and smoke from getting inside, DHEC said.
“Sandstorm” is the name of the song the USC college football team plays to pump up the crowd at Williams-Brice Stadium. It has become so popular it’s also played at the Gamecocks’ men’s and women’s basketball games, in addition to baseball.
“To see 80,000 people jumping, I would be lying if I didn’t say how it warms my heart,” Finnish musician Ville Virtanen, who goes by the name Darude, said of “Sandstorm” The State previously reported. The song was written in 2000 and quickly got on the playlist for USC home games.
There are some positive aspects of the Saharan desert plume.
It can reduce hurricane formation and intensity by drying out moisture in the atmosphere, and providing warmth in the air layer which stabilizes the atmosphere, suppressing cloud formation.
