PHOENIX, AZ — A towering dust storm, known as a haboob, swept through the Phoenix metropolitan area late Monday afternoon, darkening skies, severely reducing visibility, and causing widespread disruption throughout the city.
The massive wall of dust, propelled by intense monsoon winds, enveloped Phoenix and its surrounding areas, leaving thousands without power, grounding hundreds of flights at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, and creating hazardous driving conditions.
Local resident Bernae Boykin Hitesman recounted her experience driving her two children, ages 9 and 11, home when the storm suddenly engulfed their car near Arizona City, approximately 60 miles southeast of Phoenix. “I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face if I put my hand outside,” she said, describing how the blinding dust and fierce winds rattle their vehicle for about 15 minutes. “My kids were really, really scared, so I was trying to be brave for them.”
A haboob is a powerful dust storm generated by strong winds associated with thunderstorms or weather fronts, common in flat and arid regions like Arizona. The dust storm on Monday was followed by heavy rain and ongoing wind, adding to the challenges facing residents and officials.
At Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, rain coupled with the duststorm caused flight delays and minor damage, including roof leaks in one of the terminals. Airport officials said crews were working quickly to identify and address water leaks and clean passenger areas affected by accumulated water.
Local authorities warned drivers to exercise extreme caution due to near-zero visibility and urged residents to stay indoors during the storm. The sudden onset and intensity of the haboob caught many by surprise, highlighting the volatility of Arizona’s monsoon season.
Videos and time-lapse footage of the massive dust wall advancing over Phoenix, including the airport, have been widely shared on social media, illustrating the storm’s dramatic impact. Experts note that such haboobs, while natural, pose serious risks to public safety, transportation, and infrastructure in affected areas.
The National Weather Service continues to monitor conditions closely and advises that monsoon storms will remain active in the region through August, potentially bringing further dust events and localized flooding.
Residents are encouraged to stay updated via local weather alerts and take precautions when outdoors during high wind and dust conditions.
Photo credit: Time-lapse footage shows a massive haboob engulfing Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on August 25, 2025.