Drifting sand and sand storms hit north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Tuesday, the regional meteorological station said.

Due to strong cold current, the shifting sand has affected the central parts of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Tuesday, including the autonomous regional capital, Hohhot, and the cities of Baotou and Ulan Chab. Damao Banner of Ulaan Chab suffered from severe sandstorms, according to the meteorological station.

Though the dusty air has lowered visibility, the highway traffic was hardly affected, said local traffic department.

The dusty weather is expected to end Wednesday. The regional environmental department advised local people to stay indoors or try to reduce the time spent outdoors.

(Xinhua News Agency May 11, 2005)