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Brett Sutton, Victoria Chief Health Officer, issued a thunderstorm asthma warning for the state’s southwest Weather District when a change crossed the state.
The « high risk » warning for this afternoon was given due to the combination of high grass pollen levels and the possibility of thunderstorms in strong winds.
« There is a possibility that large numbers of people could develop symptoms of asthma in a short period of time, » said a statement from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
« People with asthma or hay fever, or people with wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or persistent cough should always have their medication for treatment today and avoid the gusts of wind before the storm by going in and closing your windows and doors. «
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning of harmful winds for much of the state, including the Southwest, North, Central, and Alpine areas.
A strong wind change moves across the state, with strong north winds in front of the front and strong westerly winds behind.
The strongest gusts of wind this morning at Mount William in the Grampians were 98 kilometers per hour.
It has been four years since the first major episode of thunderstorm asthma in Victoria that resulted in 10 deaths. About 3. 500 people were presented to hospital emergency rooms to seek treatment.
Thunderstorm asthma occurs when the right weather conditions occur at the same time – high pollen counts combined with a gusty storm.
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World News – AU – The forecast of high winds leads to a warning of thunderstorm asthma in southwest Victoria
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