Bahrain has been put on a storm alert today (Thursday), after being battered by winds of up to 60 kilometres per hour yesterday.

Small boats have been warned to stay in port, with winds of up to 60kmph expected again today and tomorrow.

Scores of asthma patients flocked to health centres and Salmaniya Medical Complex yesterday, as the winds sandblasted the country, but there were no reports of any storm-related injuries.

Near-gale force winds of 50 to 60 kilometres per hour and extremely poor visibility could continue today and tomorrow, Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs meteorology directorate warned last night.

It may also be colder, said the weathermen.

Yesterday's sand storms reduced visibility to less than 1,000 metres at the Bahrain International Airport, but did not affect flights, said CAA officials.

The Coastguard warned fishermen yesterday not to venture out into the sea "unless absolutely necessary".

AN SMC official said scores of asthma patients reported to health centres across the country and the worst cases were referred to the hospital, which also dealt with walk-ins.-TradeArabia News Service