Video shows apocalyptic-like scenes as dust storm towers over Phoenix
A massive dust storm consumed Phoenix on Monday, August 25, plunging the city into darkness and leaving thousands without power.
The gigantic wall of dust, meteorologically known as a haboob, was followed by severe thunderstorms that ripped through the Arizona city, leaving behind downed trees, wind damage and widespread power outages, AZ Central, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported. Flights in the area were also delayed, and the storm caused damage to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. A connector bridge at the airport was severely damaged by the 70 mph wind gusts, according to AccuWeather.
A massive haboob hit Phoenix leaving the city dusty and dark. Then came a monsoon.
Watch haboob tower over Phoenix
Video footage from Phoenix shows the haboob consuming homes in an apocalyptic-like scene, as it engulfs the city and its surrounding areas. Rumbling thunder can also be heard in the background.
A dust storm and severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Phoenix around 7:10 p.m. local time on Aug. 25, along with flash flood warnings. The weather service urged drivers to exercise caution, given low visibility and advised them to “pull aside, stay alive.”
Authorities halted operations at Phoenix Sky Harbor, where 104 flights were delayed and three flights were cancelled, according to the airport's website. The storm caused leaks and damage at the airport, where crews are assessing damage.
Meanwhile, more than 40,000 customers of Salt River Project, an Arizona electric and water utility company, were left without power after the storm, with an additional 7,400 Arizona Public Service customers experiencing an outage, AZ Central reported.
Video and photos from Phoenix show street signs trembling from the wind as the storm swept through the city and its surrounding areas, picking up debris and flinging it around. Downed branches also littered sidewalks as the storm made its way through the area.
Pictures: Haboob consumes Phoenix, leaves trail of damage
Contributing: Julia Gomez, Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY / Julie Mendes, Hayleigh Evans, Jose R. Gonzalez; Arizona Republic
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: See haboob consume Phoenix, Arizona, leave trail of damage
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