Introduction to Haboobs
PHOENIX — Crews cleaned up downed trees and got power mostly restored for thousands of people Tuesday after a powerful dust storm roared through the Phoenix area. The wall of dust towering hundreds of feet high dwarfed the city’s neighborhoods. Called a haboob, the wind-driven phenomenon blackened skies and knocked out electricity for 15,000 customers late Monday afternoon. Drenching rain followed, and flights at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, where material from a terminal roof blew onto the tarmac, came to a halt.
Aftermath of the Storm
But by Tuesday afternoon things were mostly back to normal, with only about 100 people still without power in Maricopa County and only minor flight delays reported. Workers were tracking down and cleaning up leaks in the airport, said Heather Shelbrack, deputy aviation director for public relations. The situation was closely monitored, and measures were taken to ensure that the airport returned to its normal functioning state as soon as possible.
Impact on Residents
A large uprooted tree leans on a home the day after violent monsoon storms that included a towering wall of dust known as a haboob pushed through the Phoenix metro area, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Residents were significantly impacted by the storm, with many experiencing power outages and property damage. Bernae Boykin Hitesman was driving her son and daughter, ages 9 and 11, home from school when the storm arrived in Arizona City, about 60 miles southeast of Phoenix. She quickly pulled over as the storm engulfed the car. “I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face if I put my hand outside,” she said. Boykin Hitesman could taste the dust and feel the strong wind rattling her car until it finally passed about 15 minutes later. “I was nervous,” she said. “My kids were really, really scared, so I was trying to be brave for them.”
Causes and Characteristics of Haboobs
A weather front or thunderstorm can cause a haboob. The phenomenon usually happens in flat, arid areas and is not unusual in Arizona. 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, according to 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 weather was warm and clear in the Phoenix area Tuesday, with scattered thunderstorms giving way to hot and dry weather through the rest of the week. Bird feeders fell from swaying trees at the home of retired university professor Richard Filley in the Phoenix suburb of Gilbert. Fine dust got into “every little crack and space,” he said. “The windstorm part of it, I’m glad it’s gone,” he said. “You look at the photos of haboobs, and they are a spectacular natural phenomenon. They are kind of beautiful in their own way.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the powerful dust storm that hit the Phoenix area caused significant disruptions to daily life, including power outages and flight delays. However, thanks to the quick response of crews, things were mostly back to normal by Tuesday afternoon. The phenomenon of a haboob is a natural occurrence in arid areas like Arizona, and while it can be destructive, it is also a spectacular sight to behold. As the weather returns to its normal state, residents can breathe a sigh of relief, but it’s essential to remain aware of the potential for such storms during the monsoon season.
FAQs
Q: What is a haboob?
A: A haboob is a type of dust storm that is caused by a weather front or thunderstorm. It is characterized by a wall of dust that can tower hundreds of feet high and reduce visibility to near zero.
Q: Where do haboobs typically occur?
A: Haboobs typically occur in flat, arid areas like Arizona. They are not unusual in this region and can happen during the monsoon season.
Q: How long did the power outages last in the Phoenix area?
A: The power outages lasted for several hours, with 15,000 customers affected. However, by Tuesday afternoon, power had been mostly restored, with only about 100 people still without power in Maricopa County.
Q: Were there any flight delays or cancellations due to the storm?
A: Yes, flights at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport were halted due to the storm, but by Tuesday afternoon, only minor flight delays were reported.
Q: Is it safe to travel during a haboob?
A: No, it is not safe to travel during a haboob. The reduced visibility and strong winds can make it difficult to navigate, and it’s best to wait until the storm passes before traveling.
Q: How can I prepare for a haboob?
A: To prepare for a haboob, make sure you have a plan in place in case you lose power or need to evacuate. Keep a battery-powered radio and flashlight on hand, and stay informed about the weather forecast.
