A huge “wall” of dust, known in meteorology as a haboob, swept through parts of the Phoenix metropolitan area on Monday night, creating zero-visibility conditions.

According to CNN, strong storms followed the dust storm, hitting the city with falling trees, widespread property damage, and power outages. At Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, a bridge was destroyed by wind gusts reaching 112 km/h.

The Phoenix Weather Service issued warnings for the dust storm and severe thunderstorms as the weather system reached Maricopa County, urging residents to avoid driving due to dangerously low visibility.

The Arizona Department of Transportation also reported flooding on roads and called on drivers to exercise caution.

Dust storm blankets everything in its path as it rolls through the Phoenix, Arizona, area. pic.twitter.com/FpecQcryHo

— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 26, 2025

As reported by U.S. media, more than 60,000 customers in Arizona lost power due to the storms, with most outages recorded in Maricopa County, according to PowerOutage.us.

For about an hour, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport imposed a ground stop, suspending all arrivals and departures as the facilities were engulfed by a massive cloud of dust. The airport later resumed operations, but flight delays continued into late Monday evening as crews inspected the area for damage.

This evening: A massive dust storm is sweeping across Phoenix, creating an intense scene visible from Sky Harbor International Airport.

📍 Phoenix, Arizona, USA . pic.twitter.com/WQGr0HKSK8

— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) August 26, 2025

In Gilbert, Arizona, about 35 kilometers southeast of Phoenix, police reported “traffic light outages and fallen trees throughout the city,” urging residents to avoid travel due to dangerous conditions.

Dust storms are not unusual during Arizona’s monsoon season, but this one was particularly intense. As CNN explains, haboobs are formed when storm winds blow in multiple directions, lifting sand from the desert and creating a rolling wall of dust. These walls can reach hundreds of meters in height and stretch for many kilometers, erasing the horizon in seconds — much like a blizzard in winter.