Phoenix, Arizona, November 22, 2025
A powerful haboob swept through Phoenix, Arizona, causing significant disruptions including power outages for 55,000 customers and flight delays at Sky Harbor International Airport. With visibility reduced to near zero, hazardous driving conditions prompted authorities to advise residents to avoid travel. Utility crews worked swiftly to restore power, while airport operations resumed later with minor delays. The storm highlights the unpredictability and power of haboobs, common in Arizona’s arid climate during monsoon season.
Massive Dust Storm Engulfs Phoenix, Causing Widespread Disruptions
Phoenix, Arizona – A powerful dust storm, known as a haboob, swept through Phoenix on Monday evening, leading to significant power outages, flight delays, and hazardous driving conditions. The storm, characterized by a towering wall of dust, reduced visibility to near zero and caused extensive damage across the city.
Impact on Power and Transportation
The haboob knocked out electricity for approximately 55,000 customers in the Phoenix area. Utility crews worked overnight to restore power, and by Tuesday afternoon, most outages had been addressed. At Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, operations were halted due to the storm. Strong winds damaged a terminal roof, sending debris onto the tarmac. Crews worked through the night to repair the damage, and by Tuesday, flight operations resumed with only minor delays. The Arizona Department of Transportation reported significantly reduced visibility on major highways, urging drivers to exercise caution. In Gilbert, about 22 miles southeast of Phoenix, downed trees and traffic light outages created hazardous driving conditions, prompting police to advise residents to avoid travel.
Formation and Characteristics of Haboobs
Haboobs are intense dust storms that form when strong downdrafts from thunderstorms hit the ground, lifting dust and debris into the atmosphere. These storms can travel at speeds exceeding 60 mph and stretch across several miles. While such storms are common in Arizona’s arid climate during the monsoon season, their intensity and frequency can vary.
Safety Measures During Dust Storms
During a haboob, visibility can drop to near zero, making driving extremely dangerous. The National Weather Service advises motorists to pull off the road, set the emergency brake, fasten seat belts, and turn off lights to avoid accidents.
Historical Context
Haboobs have been a part of Arizona’s monsoon season for decades. A significant dust storm in 2011 played a pivotal role in popularizing the term “haboob” in the region.
Conclusion
The recent haboob in Phoenix serves as a reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature. Residents are urged to stay informed about weather conditions and adhere to safety guidelines during such events to minimize risks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a haboob?
A haboob is an intense dust storm that forms when strong downdrafts from thunderstorms hit the ground, lifting dust and debris into the atmosphere. These storms can travel at speeds exceeding 60 mph and stretch across several miles.
How do haboobs affect Phoenix?
Haboobs can cause power outages, flight delays, and hazardous driving conditions due to reduced visibility. For example, the recent haboob knocked out electricity for approximately 55,000 customers and led to flight disruptions at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
What safety measures should be taken during a haboob?
During a haboob, visibility can drop to near zero, making driving extremely dangerous. The National Weather Service advises motorists to pull off the road, set the emergency brake, fasten seat belts, and turn off lights to avoid accidents.
Are haboobs common in Arizona?
Yes, haboobs are common in Arizona’s arid climate during the monsoon season. They can form quickly and have significant impacts on the region.
How did the term ‘haboob’ become popular in Arizona?
The term ‘haboob’ became popular in Arizona after a significant dust storm in 2011, which led to widespread media coverage and public awareness of the phenomenon.
Key Features of the Recent Haboob in Phoenix
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Power Outages | Approximately 55,000 customers lost electricity; most outages restored by Tuesday afternoon. |
| Flight Disruptions | Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport halted operations; roof damage repaired overnight; minor delays resumed by Tuesday. |
| Driving Conditions | Reduced visibility on major highways; downed trees and traffic light outages in Gilbert; residents advised to avoid travel. |
| Formation of Haboobs | Formed by strong downdrafts from thunderstorms lifting dust into the atmosphere; can travel at speeds exceeding 60 mph. |
| Safety Measures | Motorists advised to pull off the road, set the emergency brake, fasten seat belts, and turn off lights during a haboob. |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
