A massive dust storm, accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds, swept through the Phoenix area on Monday, causing traffic chaos, power outages and infrastructure damage, CBS News reported.
A so-called haboob - a wall of dust driven by thunderstorm winds - swept through southern Arizona late afternoon. Witnesses reported near-zero visibility and cars forced to pull over on the side of the road.
The dust storm was followed by a monsoon that damaged the roof of Terminal 4 at Sky Harbor International Airport. By 9:30 p.m., more than 200 flights were delayed, and crews were battling leaks and water pooling in passenger areas, the airport said.
Stunning view of the dust storm that hit Arizona on August 25.
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) August 26, 2025
This was captured from Gold Canyon.pic.twitter.com/xsw9yGowPM
According to PowerOutage.us, more than 15,000 people, mostly in Maricopa County, were without power. Strong winds knocked down a road sign in Ahuatuckee and a tree fell on a house in Chandler, causing roof damage. Residents in the area described how fine dust had seeped through even the smallest cracks in their homes.
Phoenix was drier than usual for the monsoon season, while other parts of Arizona received significant rainfall, said Mark O'Malley of the National Weather Service. The forecast for Tuesday said there was a 40 percent chance of rain.
Meanwhile, in Nevada, a severe dust storm disrupted the opening weekend of the Burning Man festival, with winds of up to 50 mph toppling tents and temporary structures. Organizers warned attendees to fortify their camps and avoid traveling in poor visibility.