Today's Haboob Headlines
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A towering wall of dust swept through Phoenix and surrounding areas on Monday evening, dramatically reducing visibility to near-zero during rush hour. Visibility at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport plunged to under 165 feet, with wind gusts reaching up to 94 mph in San Tan Valley. The storm brought flight delays, power outages, downed trees, traffic signal failures, and flash flooding, particularly along Interstate 17.
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The haboob plunged the region into darkness, grounded flights, and knocked out power for thousands — roughly 15,000 residents lost electricity. Homes were inundated with dust, and some even suffered damage, such as a roof being lifted off in Marana. The wall of dust passed rapidly, but not before causing widespread disruption.
In a particularly dramatic moment, Arizona State University's football stadium in Tempe was engulfed by the dust storm, captured in a surreal time-lapse that showed the stadium disappearing behind the advancing plume.
What Is a Haboob?
A haboob is an intense dust or sandstorm triggered by the downdrafts of a thunderstorm, especially prevalent in arid regions like the southwestern U.S. These storms can form walls of dust kilometers high and tens of kilometers wide, moving swiftly and often arriving with little warning.
Key Risks & Safety Tips
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Visibility Hazard: Drivers caught in haboobs often can’t see beyond the hood of their car, leading to hazardous conditions.
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Safety Advice (National Weather Service):
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Pull off the road far from traffic
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Turn off vehicle lights
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Apply the emergency brake
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Avoid staying in traffic where visibility is severely reduced
(Leaving lights on might cause other drivers to follow and collide.)
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Summary Table
| Details | Info |
|---|---|
| When | Monday evening (Aug 25, 2025) |
| Where | Phoenix metro area, including Tempe, Marana |
| Visibility | Less than 165 ft at peak |
| Wind gusts | Up to 94 mph |
| Impacts | Flight delays/groundings, power outages (~15,000 affected), infrastructure damage, unsafe travel conditions |
| Notable Visual | ASU stadium engulfed by the dust wall |
| Safety Measures | Pull over safely, turn off lights, keep the emergency brake on, and shelter indoors |
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