Winds over night are believed to have brought large amounts of dust from inland NSW and South Australia across.

The conditions could trigger asthma attacks and cause problems for people with other respiratory conditions, medical experts said.

Pregnant women, children and the elderly were also urged to do what they could to prevent dust from entering their lungs.

The Ambulance Service said earlier this morning it had experienced an increase in calls from asthma sufferers, a number of whom had been taken to hospital.

Schools across the region opened as normal but parents of students concerned about the effects of the high levels of dust in the air were encouraged to keep their children at home if they suffer asthma or other breathing problems.

Police said drivers should slow down and drive with their lights on.

As a result of the dust there was reduced visibility on a number of roads around the New England North West region.

More stories and photos in Tomorrow's edition of The Leader

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