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PHOENIX — A towering wall of dust swept through metro Phoenix on Monday, triggering widespread power outages and flight delays at Sky Harbor International Airport. The storm, part of Arizona’s seasonal monsoon system, brought strong winds, heavy rain, and near-zero visibility across the region.
Known as a “haboob,” the dust storm was followed by severe thunderstorms that knocked out power to more than 55,000 customers, primarily in Maricopa County. The Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport issued a temporary ground stop, delaying dozens of flights and prompting emergency inspections for wind-related damage and roof leaks.
Motorists faced hazardous driving conditions as visibility dropped to a quarter-mile, prompting safety advisories from the National Weather Service and the Arizona Department of Transportation. The PHX Sky Train was also temporarily suspended due to the extreme weather.
Officials continue to assess infrastructure damage while forecasting additional storm activity through midweek. The event underscores the challenges posed by Arizona’s monsoon season and the need for preparedness in urban areas vulnerable to sudden weather shifts.
