Massive Dust Storm Hits Phoenix, Causes Damage and Power Outages

PHOENIX, Arizona — A massive dust storm swept across the Phoenix metropolitan area Monday evening, followed by severe thunderstorms that caused widespread damage, toppled trees, and left thousands without power.

The storm, known as a haboob in meteorological terms, reduced visibility to nearly zero. Winds reaching 112.7 kilometers per hour (70 mph) ripped apart a connector bridge at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, according to CNN.

As the storm moved into Maricopa County, the National Weather Service issued dust storm and severe thunderstorm warnings, urging motorists to avoid driving in low-visibility conditions with the reminder: “Pull aside, stay alive.”

Sky Harbor International Airport halted operations for an hour as the massive wall of dust rolled in, with flight delays averaging 30 minutes. Crews also inspected the airport for roof leaks and structural damage, airport spokesperson Gregory Roybal said.

The Phoenix haboob comes just days after a similar dust storm swept across Nevada, disrupting the Burning Man festival in Black Rock City, about 120 miles (193 kilometers) from Reno.