A Powerful Storm Hits Phoenix
A powerful storm kicked up a towering wall of dust that rolled through metro Phoenix on Monday, darkening the sky, blinding drivers, knocking out power and grounding flights at one of the nation’s busiest airports. The storm, known as a haboob, caused widespread disruption and fear among residents and visitors alike.
The Storm’s Impact on Residents
Bernae Boykin Hitesman was driving her son and daughter, ages 9 and 11, home from school when the storm arrived late in the afternoon in Arizona City, about 60 miles southeast of Phoenix. She had to quickly pull over as the storm engulfed her car. “I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face if I put my hand outside,” she said. Boykin Hitesman said she could taste the dust and feel the strong wind rattling her car until it finally passed about 15 minutes later.
A Mother’s Courage
“I was nervous,” Boykin Hitesman said. “My kids were really, really scared, so I was trying to be brave for them.” Her courage and quick thinking helped to keep her children safe during the terrifying ordeal. The storm’s impact on residents was significant, with many people experiencing fear and disruption to their daily lives.
What is a Haboob?
A haboob is a dust storm pushed by the wind produced by a weather front or thunderstorm and typically occurs in flat, arid areas. Heavy rain and wind followed Monday’s haboob, delaying flights at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and causing some damage to a terminal roof. The airport’s deputy aviation director for public relations, Heather Shelbrack, said that crews have been identifying leaks and attempting to clean up water where it has collected in passenger areas.
Power Outages and Damage
More than 15,000 people lost power, most in Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix, according to PowerOutage.us. Richard Filley, a retired university professor who lives in Gilbert, said the dust storm caused the trees to sway and knocked bird feeders to the ground. Fine dust found its way through “every little crack and space” into his house, he said. The storm’s damage was not limited to power outages, with many homes and buildings affected by the strong winds and heavy rain.
The Storm’s Beauty and Fury
“The windstorm part of it, I’m glad it’s gone,” Filley said. “You look at the photos of haboobs and they are a spectacular natural phenomenon. They are kind of beautiful in their own way.” Despite the storm’s beauty, its fury and impact on residents cannot be ignored. The storm’s effects will be felt for some time, with many people still recovering from the disruption and damage caused.
Weather Forecast
Phoenix has been drier than usual during the monsoon season, while parts of southeast and north-central Arizona have had a fair amount of rain, said Mark O’Malley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Phoenix. “But that’s typical for a monsoon, very hit and miss,” he said. The forecast for metro Phoenix calls for a 40% chance of rain Tuesday before drying out, O’Malley said.
Conclusion
The powerful storm that hit Phoenix on Monday was a reminder of the fury and beauty of nature. The storm’s impact on residents was significant, with many people experiencing fear and disruption to their daily lives. As the city recovers from the storm, residents are left to pick up the pieces and wonder what the future holds for the region’s weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the storm:
Q: What is a haboob?
A: A haboob is a dust storm pushed by the wind produced by a weather front or thunderstorm and typically occurs in flat, arid areas.
Q: How many people lost power during the storm?
A: More than 15,000 people lost power, most in Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix.
Q: What was the impact of the storm on flights at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport?
A: The storm delayed flights at the airport and caused some damage to a terminal roof.
Q: What is the weather forecast for metro Phoenix?
A: The forecast calls for a 40% chance of rain Tuesday before drying out.
