(Hamsayeh.Net) - A major sandstorm is gradually engulfing the Iranian capital city, Tehran, starting this afternoon. The amount of dust in the air is such that it reduces visibility to a great degree.

The unusual phenomenon is cause for alarm amongst motorists on busy streets as well as to average people going outside. According to meteorologists the sand storm originated from northern Saudi Arabia and Iraq, all the way into northern Iran today and tomorrow.

Iranian aviation department cancelled several routine air flights from Tehran to southern parts of the country, today.

The sandstorm is expected to reach the northern provinces by tomorrow and will slowly move out towards the Caspian Sea and Turkmenistan regions.  

Sandstorms are rare occurrences for Tehran since the city is surrounded by massive mountains and it is located far away from the desert regions.