Massive dust storm strikes Phoenix in US, causes damage, power outages

Massive dust storm strikes Phoenix in US, causes damage, power outages
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A massive dust storm, known as a haboob, struck the Phoenix metropolitan area in Arizona on Monday evening, bringing severe thunderstorms, widespread damage, downed trees, and power outages, Anadolu Agency reported. The storm drastically reduced visibility to near zero, and winds reaching 112.7 kilometers per hour (70 mph) destroyed a connector bridge at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, according to CNN.

As the storm moved into Maricopa County, the National Weather Service in Phoenix issued warnings for dust storms and severe thunderstorms, advising drivers to “pull aside and stay alive” due to dangerously low visibility.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport implemented a one-hour ground stop as the massive dust cloud approached, causing flight delays of up to 30 minutes. Airport crews inspected for roof leaks and other damage, said spokesperson Gregory Roybal.

This haboob follows a similar dust storm over the weekend in Nevada, which swept through the Burning Man arts festival held in Black Rock City, about 193 kilometers (120 miles) from Reno.