Health warning as storm sweeps NSW

SYDNEY: A storm front sweeping across NSW could trigger serious breathing problems in some people, health authorities warned yesterday.

Thunderstorms were predicted for parts of the state yesterday, including the north coast and Hunter regions.

NSW Health said high levels of pollen in the air could trigger asthma and respiratory conditions as the storms approach.

‘‘Thunderstorms cause pollen grains to explode and release fine particles which can be inhaled deeply into the lungs, causing even more people to wheeze and sneeze,’’ spokesman Dr Richard Broome said.

The warnings follow 3600 people presenting to hospitals in Melbourne with breathing problems after storms in 2016.

At least nine deaths were linked to the event.

Sydney has never recorded a thunderstorm asthma event of a similar magnitude but rural NSW has. — AAP