A massive haboob struck Phoenix, bringing a wall of dust, damaging winds and storms. Power outages, flight delays, and downed trees followed across the city. (Photo: Screengrabs from X/@Chris_Frailey)
A massive dust storm, or ‘haboob’, swept through metro Phoenix on Monday evening, reducing visibility to near zero and bringing life in parts of the city to a halt, according to a CNN report published Tuesday. The towering wall of dust was followed by severe thunderstorms that caused power outages, damage and transportation disruptions.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Phoenix issued dust storm and severe thunderstorm warnings for Maricopa County, urging drivers to avoid the roads. “Pull aside stay alive,” the weather service warned.
Meanwhile, the Arizona Department of Transportation also cautioned motorists about low visibility on I-10 and I-17 and warned of flooding on roadways.
At Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, wind gusts reaching 70 mph ripped through a connector bridge, reportedly tearing it apart. For about an hour, a ground stop halted all departures and arrivals as the airport was blanketed in dust. Airport spokesperson Gregory E Roybal told CNN that there were delays of up to 30 minutes while crews assessed potential damage and leaks.
Meanwhile, widespread damage was reported in nearby Gilbert. “There are traffic light outages and downed trees across town,” officials reportedly said, urging residents to avoid travel due to dangerous conditions.
The storm knocked out power for over 60,000 consumers across Arizona, with Maricopa County hit the hardest, according to PowerOutage.us.
These types of dust storms are common during Arizona’s monsoon season, but this one hit harder than usual. As a thunderstorm collapsed, powerful winds pushed desert soil into a rolling wall of dust that towered thousands of feet high and stretched for miles, the report said.
Notably, the Phoenix haboob came right after another dust storm hit Nevada’s Black Rock Desert over the weekend, disrupting preparations for the Burning Man festival. Thunderstorm winds stirred up a massive dust plume.
Phoenix, the report said, recorded nearly a quarter inch of rain from Monday’s storm. Thunderstorm chances remain through Wednesday, with triple-digit heat building as the week continues.
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