Giant Dust Storm Sweeps Phoenix: Power Outages and Flight Disruptions

A giant dust storm swept through the metropolitan area of Phoenix yesterday, causing power outages and flight disruptions. Approximately 39,000 people were left without power, mainly in Maricopa County, due to the storms.

Drivers rushed home amid strong winds and rain as the dust storm – also known as a haboob – approached. Visibility was reduced to a quarter of a mile, but the atmosphere cleared by Monday evening.

Phoenix has been drier than usual during the summer rainy season. Mark O'Malley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Phoenix, stated that there is a 40% chance of rain on Tuesday.

The Arizona Department of Transportation warned citizens not to drive in a dust storm. Planes at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport were temporarily grounded due to extreme weather conditions.

The storm also caused trees to fall and traffic lights to malfunction.