Heavy winds pushing tons of dust enveloped much of Israel Sunday morning, causing disruptions at several airports and airfields.

Haifa airport officials told Xinhua that they were closed for takeoffs and landings, citing poor visibility and the high winds.

Officials at Ben-Gurion airport said that "all flights are still on a normal schedule as of 11:00 a.m.," although the meteorological department is expected to reassess the situation later in the day.

Visibility on roads throughout the country was limited to between one to three kilometers, and sandstorms are being reported in the Negev Desert.

Inland, in Jerusalem, the air particulate count reached 35 times of normal concentration, in Haifa, 20, and in Tel Aviv and southern Beersheba 17 times, reported The Jerusalem Post.

The severe weather prompted the National Parks Authority to advise people suffering from heart ailments, pregnant women and children to avoid heavy physical activity.

Israel's Meteorological Service reports that rains are expected to begin falling in the north later in the day that will spread southwards throughout the country, and clear the air.