LHASA: Weather forecasters are warning of disruption to transport and other problems with the sandstorm season beginning two months early in Southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

Lhasa, the regional capital, was cloaked in dust on Sunday afternoon. Winds gusting up to 79 kilometers per hour swept up debris and even blew over a 10-meter tree. Flights were cancelled or postponed, leaving about 400 passengers stranded at the airport.

"Dust storms hit Lhasa every year, but normally not until March," said Zhoema, who has been living in the city for more than 30 years. "It is rare to see such a strong dust storm in January."