Saharan dust storm covers Spain, spreads out across Europe

By JOSEPH WILSON
Associated Press

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — A huge dust storm swirling over Europe from the Sahara desert has made it hard to breathe in large parts of Spain for a second straight day. The dust was also flung across Europe on Wednesday, reaching as far as Paris, London and Belgrade. The area of Spain rated by its national air quality index as “extremely unfavorable” expanded from the start of the dust event on Tuesday to include most of the nation’s southern and central regions. Authorities recommended for people to wear face masks and avoid outdoor exercise. Experts say the event is extremely intense but are similar to ones that occur annually.