Chinese sandstorms hit Japan

TOKYO, March 9 (UPI) -- Sandstorms in China brought air pollution to Japan this weekend, with visibility reduced to about 3 miles in some areas, meteorologists said.

Japan's Meteorological Agency said visibility was down to less than 5 miles in several major cities, including Fukuoka, Kyoto, Osaka and Nagoya, Kyodo News Service reported. Problems were expected to persist through the weekend.

When visibility falls to 3 miles, it starts to interfere with transportation, experts said.

Some local governments released air quality warnings, saying residents -- especially those with respiratory diseases -- should wear masks while outdoors. Residents in Fukuoka were advised not to hang laundry on outside lines.