A massive dust storm engulfed Phoenix, Arizona on Monday, bringing chaos to the southwestern United States. The powerful haboob turned skies dark and created dangerous conditions across the region.
More than 15,000 people lost power as the storm swept through Maricopa County. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport experienced significant flight delays and disruptions from the severe weather.
Dangerous driving conditions
The dust storm created near-zero visibility for motorists across the Phoenix metro area. Bernae Boykin Hitesman was driving her children home from school when she was forced to pull over as the storm engulfed her vehicle.
"I couldn't see my hand in front of my face if I put my hand outside," she said. "My kids were really, really scared, so I was trying to be brave for them."
Hitesman added she could taste the dust and feel strong winds rattling her car for about 15 minutes until the storm passed.
Widespread damage and disruption
According to Daily Mail, the storm began around 4pm near Casa Grande and Eloy before progressing northward to Phoenix. Heavy rain and winds following the haboob damaged Terminal 4's roof at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Richard Filley, a retired university professor from Gilbert, said the dust storm caused trees to sway and knocked bird feeders to the ground. Fine dust found its way through "every little crack and space" into his house.
"You look at the photos of haboobs and they are a spectacular natural phenomenon. They are kind of beautiful in their own way," he added.
Regional weather patterns
Arizona City, about 60 miles southeast of Phoenix, also experienced the towering wall of dust. The Independent reports that Arizona typically experiences about three haboobs per monsoon season.
The National Weather Service had issued dust storm advisories, warning of "a wall of blowing dust" tracking northward. Such storms prove extremely dangerous for motorists due to reduced visibility.
Broader impact
Strong dust storms also affected neighbouring Nevada on Saturday, where 50mph winds ripped through Black Rock City during the Burning Man festival. According to NBC News, the storm caused four minor injuries and major travel delays for the estimated 70,000 festival attendees.
Dust storms remain a serious safety concern across the region. At least eight people were killed in Kansas in March after a pile-up involving more than 70 vehicles caught in similar conditions.
Sources used: "Sky News", "Independent", "Daily Mail", "NBC News"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
