A huge dust storm moved toward the Phoenix metro area on Monday. Photo: AP
A massive dust storm rolled across Phoenix on Monday evening, throwing the city into chaos. Known as a haboob, the wall of dust turned skies dark and cut visibility to nearly zero. Moments later, heavy thunderstorms hit the region, toppling trees, tearing structures, and leaving tens of thousands without power.
Storm Brings Widespread Damage
Winds reached speeds of 70 mph, shredding part of a connector bridge at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. The National Weather Service issued both dust storm and thunderstorm warnings as the system pushed into Maricopa County. Drivers faced dangerous conditions on major highways, including I-10 and I-17, where dust and flooding made travel hazardous.
The Arizona Department of Transportation warned motorists to stay off the roads, urging them to “pull aside, stay alive.”
Power Outages and Airport Delays
More than 60,000 homes and businesses lost power across Arizona, most of them in Maricopa County. Crews scrambled late into the night to restore service.
At Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, all flights were temporarily halted as the storm swept in. Delays continued for up to 30 minutes as staff inspected runways and buildings for damage. Airport spokesperson Gregory E. Roybal said crews also checked for roof leaks caused by the storm.
Local Impact Across the Valley
In Gilbert, southeast of Phoenix, police reported widespread outages of traffic lights and fallen trees. Authorities urged residents to stay home and avoid travel until conditions improved.
Dust storms like this are common during Arizona’s summer monsoon season, but this one was unusually strong. Meteorologists explained that a collapsing thunderstorm unleashed powerful winds, lifting desert soil high into the air. The swirling dust stretched for miles and reached thousands of feet into the sky.
Dangers of a Haboob
While a wall of dust is visible from far away, once it arrives, escape is nearly impossible. Visibility can drop so quickly that drivers cannot see more than a few feet ahead. Officials reminded residents of the dangers of driving during these storms, comparing the conditions to a sudden whiteout during a winter blizzard.
Storms Across the Southwest
This Phoenix storm followed a similar dust storm in Nevada over the weekend. That storm struck the Burning Man festival site in Black Rock City, forcing vendors and visitors to scramble. Strong winds bent tents, scattered equipment, and closed access roads.
Vendor Mike Chuda described the surprise: “The wind was in such a perfect angle that it was bending our booth forward. So that was pretty wild.”
Monsoon Season Continues
The Phoenix area received just under a quarter inch of rain from Monday’s storm. More thunderstorms are expected through midweek before conditions ease. However, forecasters warn that triple-digit heat will return, with drier air likely keeping later-week storms at bay.
